Impact of microbial transglutaminase on the viscoelastic profile of formulated bread doughs

The effects of microbial transglutaminase (TGM) on the viscoelastic profile of wheat flour doughs when added singly and in combination with hydrocolloids—hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and a high ester pectin (GENU pectin type BIG, or BIG)—, amylolytic (-amylase) and non amylolytic enzymes (xylanase) and an emulsifier diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono-diglycerides (DATEM)] have been investigated by applying response surface analysis to a Draper-Lin small composite design of formulated dough samples. In spite of the major effects on mixing, textural, extensional and viscometric parameters, which were provided by hydrocolloid/surfactant combinations, incorporation of TGM into dough formulas improved some viscoelastic properties. TGM, when added to DATEM and/or HPMC-containing doughs, induced synergistic effects on mixing parameters, resulting in increased water absorption, development time and stability. Highly cohesive doughs with improved water holding capacity and gluten strength during mixing and fermentation, and suitable pasting behaviour during cooking were achieved using TGM/BIG/DATEM mixtures, mainly associated with suitable interactions of the pairs TGM/DATEM and DATEM/BIG.