Properties of β-Glucan Films from Intact and Disintegrated Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells

Abstrakt

Insoluble polysaccharide fractions containing β-glucans as the main component were isolated from intact and disintegrated cells of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Films prepared from both these crude glucans as well as raw materials themselves were analysed by FTIR spectroscopy and structure, thermal and mechanical properties of the films were investigated using SEM, AFM, XRD, XRF, DSC and tensile tests. β-Glucan preparations from disintegrated cells had less amount of α-glucans than those obtained from intact cells. Films originated from disintegrated cells were more homogeneous, while crystallinity was more pronounced at films from intact cells. Glass transition of the both types of films underwent at the same temperature. Films from disintegrated cells were less thermo stable, stronger and less elastic than those prepared from intact cells.