BetaGlucanNetzwerken
BetaGlucanNetzwerken is a term used mainly in German-language scientific literature to describe the interconnected networks formed by beta-glucan polysaccharides. Beta-glucans are glucose polymers linked by beta-glycosidic bonds, found in fungal cell walls, yeast, oats, and barley. When present in aqueous media or within biopolymer matrices, these chains can associate through hydrogen bonding and, in some cases, covalent cross-links to form viscoelastic networks. The resulting structures influence the rheological properties of solutions and gels and can occur in biological contexts (cell walls) as well as in food and biomaterials systems.
Formation and structure: The precise architecture depends on the glucan source, molecular weight, branching pattern, and
Applications and relevance: In food science, BetaGlucanNetzwerken influence texture, viscosity, and stability and are used as
Methods and challenges: Characterization relies on rheometry, microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and chromatography to assess molecular