Characterization of the molar mass distribution of macromolecules in beer for different mashing processes using asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multiple detectors.

The macromolecular composition of beer is largely determined by the brewing and the mashing process. It is known that the physico-chemical properties of proteinaceous and polysaccharide molecules are closely related to the mechanism of foam stability. Three types of "American pale ale" style beer were prepared using different mashing protocols. The foam stability of the beers was assessed using the Derek Rudin standard method. Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) in combination with ultraviolet (UV), multiangle light scattering (MALS) and differential refractive index (dRI) detectors was used to separate the macromolecules present in the beers and the molar mass (M) and molar mass distributions (MD) were determined. Macromolecular components were identified by enzymatic treatments with β-glucanase and proteinase K. The MD of β-glucan ranged from 106 to 108  g/mol. In addition, correlation between the beer's composition and foam stability was investigated (increased concentration of protein and β-glucan was associated with increased foam stability).