The optimum conditions to maximize yield and molecular weight of b-glucan from Irish grown barley
were determined using response surface methodology. The independent variables investigated were
temperature, pH and their interaction on the extraction of b-glucan. Preliminary experiments indicated
the best solid to liquid ratio and extraction time to be 1:5 and 4 h respectively. The model predicted that
a temperature of 55.7 C and pH 6.6 were optimal for maximising the yield and molecular weight of bglucan.
The reliability of the method was confirmed by performing experiments under optimal conditions
and the experimental values were found to be in close agreement with the values predicted from
the developed quadratic polynomial equation (average mean deviation (E) of 1.8% for extraction yield and
1.59% for molecular weight).