Table 1 Different beta-glucans, their characteristics, sources, and potential uses

Cellulose

Beta-1,3-glucan

Plant and bacterium (Acetobacter species)

Insoluble in water, straight-chain, high mechanical strength,

Wound-dressing

[24,25,26,27,28]

Curdlan

Beta-1,4-glucan

Bacterium (Agrobacterium species)

Water-insoluble, linear, high molecular weight, affecting innate and adaptive immunities, easy modification

Immunological functions and drug delivery

[29,30,31,32,33]

Laminarin

Beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-glucan

Brown algae

Low molecular weight, linear, low viscosity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities

Development of a new injectable system

[34,35,36,37]

Chrysolaminarian

Beta-1,3-glucan

Microalgae

Linear, antioxidant and immunomodulatory capacity suitable for immunostimulation

Development of a new injectable

[38, 39]

Lentinan

Beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-glucan

Fungus (Shiitake)

Affecting T helpers and macrophage, non-toxic and well-tolerated immunomodulator, initiating an inflammatory response

Anti-tumor effects with low side effects

[40,41,42,43]

Lichenin

Beta-1,3 and beta-1,4-glucan

Lichens (Cetraria islandica)

Linear, non-toxic, stimulating effects on T cells

Being used as an Anti-tumor agent

[44,45,46]

Pleuran

Beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-glucan

Fungus (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity

Treatment of dermatitis, being used as an anti-cancer and anti-allergic agent

[47,48,49,50,51]

Zymosan

Beta-1,3-glucan

Yeast

Anti-inflammatory effects, affecting dendritic and T cells, affecting cytokine expression

Being used as treatment for several diseases such as cancer, peritonitis and etc.

[52,53,54,55]

Schizophyllan

Beta-1,3 and beta-1,6-glucan

Fungus (Athelia rolfsii)

Stimulate the immune system, carry metals in water

Aid in delivering drugs and genes, and use in some nanofibers

[56,57,58,59]