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Content and Molecular Weight Distribution of Oat β-Glucan in Oatrim, Nutrim, and C-Trim Products

¹National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply the recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ²Corresponding author. E-mail: sanghoon.kim@ars.usda.gov

The soluble fiber, β-glucan, in oat products is an active hypolipidemic component that is responsible for lowering plasma lipids. Quantitative analysis of β-glucan in oat hydrocolloids such as Oatrim, Nutrim, and C-Trim was performed to measure the total β-glucan content and molecular weight distribution. For the measurement of total β-glucan content, both modified flow-injection analysis (FIA) method and the standard AACC enzymatic method were employed. FIA method uses the enhanced fluorescence produced when β-glucan forms complexes with Calcofluor. Experimental results of both the modified FIA method and the standard AACC enzymatic method revealed very good coincidence with each other. This result confirms the applicability of either technique for the quantitative evaluation of β-glucan in hydrocolloids. Molecular weight (MW) distribution of β-glucan was determined by size-exclusion chromatography with postcolumn detection. Experimental results revealed that the molecular weight of β-glucan in the Trim products was decreased during the manufacturing process. This result was ascribed to the rigorous processing condition of jet-cooking.