Research and application of a new functional glucan——alternan

Alternan, which produced by microorganism fermentation or enzymic catalysis, is a novel glucan with unique functions such as prebiotics, low-viscosity bulking agent and low-acid stabilizer. Alternan has greatly potential application in food industry as functional carbohydrate. The latest study was reviewed in this paper by introducing its chemical structure, functional properties, biosynthesis and progressed the application in food industrial field.