β-glucan release from fungal and plant cell walls after simulated gastrointestinal digestion

beta-glucans are soluble fibre found in plant and fungal cell walls, which are linked with reduced serum lipid levels. This study investigates the beta-glucan release from two fungal samples (mycoprotein and white button mushroom) compared with two plant samples, oat and barley bran. Our results indicate no beta-glucan release after the simulated gastrointestinal digestion of the uncooked fungal samples. In contrast, following cooking and digestion, beta-glucans were released from the mycoprotein matrix. Pancreatic enzymes facilitated the solubilisation of beta-glucans. Protein and carbohydrate digestion appeared independent of beta-glucan release in both uncooked and cooked samples. Conversely, the viscosity increased in the samples that showed a significant release of beta-glucans at the end of gastrointestinal digestion. Structural analysis by scanning electron microscopy showed changes in the uncooked and cooked samples before and after digestion. This study shows for the first time the different behaviour in beta-glucan release from fungal and plant samples.