Brewing biotechnology: Trichoderma β-glucanase is reported to play which principal role during mashing in beer production (consider its action on cell wall β-glucans and mash rheology)?

Introduction:
In brewing, exogenous enzymes are often added to improve mash handling and extract quality. Trichoderma β-glucanase targets β-glucans in malt and adjunct cell walls. This question tests whether you can distinguish β-glucanase functions from amylolytic enzymes that act on starch and dextrins.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Substrate of interest: β-glucans present in barley endosperm cell walls and husk fractions.
• Process step: mashing, where viscosity and lautering performance are critical.
• Comparison enzymes: amylases that act on starch and dextrins.

Concept / Approach:
β-glucanases hydrolyze β-1,3 and β-1,4 glucans that increase mash viscosity and impede wort run-off. By depolymerizing these gums, they stabilize the mash, reduce haze precursors, and improve filtration. In contrast, liquefaction of starch to dextrin is performed by α-amylase, and conversion of dextrins to fermentable sugars such as glucose is done by glucoamylase or by subsequent isomerization for HFCS streams.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the substrate: β-glucans, not starch.Map enzyme to function: β-glucanase reduces viscosity and enhances lautering.Differentiate from amylases: α-amylase liquefies starch; glucoamylase saccharifies dextrins.Conclude that the principal reported role is mash stabilization and filtration improvement.

Verification / Alternative check:
Brewing practice shows reduced filtration time and better filter bed performance when β-glucanase is used, aligning with improved wort clarity and lower β-glucan content in the final beer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Converts taste fractions of dextrins: dextrin hydrolysis is the role of glucoamylase, not β-glucanase.

Converts starch to dextrin: this is the role of α-amylase during liquefaction.

All of the above: incorrect because β-glucanase does not perform the amylolytic functions described.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming all carbohydrate-active enzymes act on starch or dextrins.
• Confusing viscosity reduction from β-glucan breakdown with saccharification yield improvements from amylases.

Final Answer:
Stabilizes mashing by degrading β-glucans and improving wort filtration