β(1,3)-Glucans are glucose polymers mainly linked by β-1,3-glycosidic bonds. β(1,3)-Glucans are often branched, in which side chains are attached to the backbone through 1,6-linkage.116 β(1,3)-Glucans typically display a triple helical structure and dissolve in alkaline solutions. However, if the pH of the solution is above 12, the polymer will undergo an irreversible transition from triple helix to coil.117 β(1,3)-Glucans exhibit strong immune-modulating effects.118 These activities are mainly due to the ability of β(1,3)
Glucans to activate cellular and humoral components of the host immune system.