From Cancer Therapy to Winemaking: The Molecular Structure and Applications of beta-Glucans and beta-1, 3-Glucanases

beta-glucans are a diverse group of polysaccharides composed of beta-1,3 or beta-(1,3-1,4) linked glucose monomers. They are mainly synthesized by fungi, plants, seaweed and bacteria, where they carry out structural, protective and energy storage roles. Because of their unique physicochemical properties, they have important applications in several industrial, biomedical and biotechnological processes. beta-glucans are also major bioactive molecules with marked immunomodulatory and metabolic properties. As such, they have been the focus of many studies attesting to their ability to, among other roles, fight cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and control diabetes. The physicochemical and functional profiles of beta-glucans are deeply influenced by their molecular structure. This structure governs beta-glucan interaction with multiple beta-glucan binding proteins, triggering myriad biological responses. It is then imperative to understand the structural properties of beta-glucans to fully reveal their biological roles and potential applications. The deconstruction of beta-glucans is a result of beta-glucanase activity. In addition to being invaluable tools for the study of beta-glucans, these enzymes have applications in numerous biotechnological and industrial processes, both alone and in conjunction with their natural substrates. Here, we review potential applications for beta-glucans and beta-glucanases, and explore how their functionalities are dictated by their structure.