A fluorimetric method for measuring 1,3:1,4-β-glucan in beer, wort, malt and barley by use of Calcofluor

Abstract

A convenient method for determining mixed linked 1,3:1,4-β-glucans in beer, wort, malt and barley is described. The fluorochrome Calcofluor, specific for β-glucosidic linkages, is used to stain these materials. The fluorescence intensity of the final suspension is measured and the result compared with traditional β-glucan measurements. The correlation between fluorescence intensity and (NH4)2SO4 precipitation was very good for beer and wort. The correlation between the fluorescence method and an enzymatic method used for malt and barley was somewhat poorer. © 1981 Carlsberg Laboratory.