ABSTRACT
In recent decades, beta-glucans have been used as important complementary and alternative medicines for numerous immunocompromised individuals and those with advanced cancer. The most active form of beta-glucans is beta[1,3]D-glucan and its most common source is cell wall of Candida albicans. Recently it has been introduced as a nano particle design to be used as a carrier for drug delivery. The current study researches a rapid method for the extraction of beta[1,3]D-glucans. The present study was conducted at Tarbiat Modares Medical University in 2012. Candida solubilized beta-glucans were obtained by oxidation of the cell wall with sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. The particle part could be solubilized by treatment with dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO] and zymolyase digestion to extract beta[1,3]Dglucan. The soluble fractions were lyophilized. We performed the Callose test to verify the presence of beta[1,3]D-glucans. Solubilized fractions were dissolved in D2O and 1HNMR spectra were measured. The soluble beta[1,3]D-glucan fraction which was derived from 1 g of dried Candida albicans germ tube weighed 190 mg. beta[1,3]D-glucan was verified by the Callose test and [1]H-NMR test compared with Curdlan [standard]. [1]H-NMR spectra verified the existence of beta[1,3]D-glucan in the final product. In the present study, extraction of beta[1,3]D-glucan by oxidation of the cell wall using sodium hypochlorite yielded more pure beta[1,3]D-glucans in comparison with other extraction methods. Thus it might represent a rapid method of extraction.