Application of Kluyveromyces marxianus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and L. helveticus for sourdough bread making

The application of Kluyveromyces marxianus (IFO 288), Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus (ATCC 11842) and Lactobacillus helveticus (ATCC 15009) as starter cultures for sourdough bread making was examined. Production of lactic and acetic acids, bread rising, volatile composition, shelf-life and organoleptic quality of the sourdough breads were evaluated. The amount of starter culture added to the flour, the dough fermentation temperature and the amount of sourdough used were examined in order to optimise the bread making process. The use of mixed cultures led to higher total titratable acidities and lactic acid concentrations compared to traditionally made breads. Highest acidity (3.41 g lactic acid/kg of bread) and highest resistance to mould spoilage were observed when bread was made using 50% sourdough containing 1% K. marxianus and 4% L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus. The use of these cultures also improved the aroma of sourdough breads, as shown by sensory evaluations and as revealed by GC–MS analysis.     

Study of the behaviour of Lactobacillus plantarum and Leuconostoc starters during a complete wheat sourdough breadmaking process

The acidification properties, metabolic activity and technological performance of four individual Lactobacillus plantarum or Leuconostoc freeze-dried starters were investigated during a complete wheat sourdough breadmaking process including 0.2 g/100 g baker's yeast. Microbiological contents (lactic acid bacteria and yeasts), acidification characteristics (pH and total titratable acidity), soluble carbohydrates (maltose, glucose and fructose) and fermentative end-products (lactic and acetic acids, ethanol) contents were evaluated during both sourdough and corresponding bread dough fermentation. Biochemical and technological analysis of the resulting bread products are also presented. Some differences among strains in acidification properties and soluble carbohydrates availability were outlined both in sourdough and bread dough. Each individual Leuconostoc or Lb. plantarum starter was able to produce a characteristic fermentation and was found to ensure the production of breads with overall satisfactory acceptance.     

Evolution of aroma volatiles during storage of sourdough breads made by mixed cultures of Kluyveromyces marxianus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus or Lactobacillus helveticus

Two mixed starter cultures were used for sourdough bread making to evaluate their ability to improve quality and increase bread shelf-life: Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus or Lactobacillus helveticus mixed with the lactose fermenting yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus as alternative baker’s yeast. Control sourdough breads (K. marxianus) without the addition of bacteria, were also prepared. The changes on the headspace aroma volatiles during storage were assessed using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) GC–MS analysis. The effect of these changes on bread flavour was evaluated by consumer preference evaluations and the results were co-evaluated with those from the GC–MS analysis. The obtained results showed differences in the volatile composition of the different types of breads examined, as well as dramatic decreases of the number and the amount of volatiles after five days of storage. The sourdough breads made with K. marxianus and L. bulgaricus, had a more complex aroma profile, longer shelf-life and achieved the highest scores in the sensory tests.     

Optimization of sourdough process for improved sensory profile and texture of wheat bread

The aim of the study was to determine optimum sourdough process conditions for improved flavour and texture of wheat bread. The influence of process conditions and the starter culture on the characteristics of wheat sourdough bread was established by using response surface methodology. Influence of fermentation temperature (16-32 °C), ash content of flour (0.6-1.8 g/100 g), and fermentation time (6-20 h) were considered as independent factors and their effects were studied in sourdough bread fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or with a combination of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Intensity of sensory attributes, specific volume and bread hardness were considered as the main responses. Ash content of flour and fermentation time were the main factors determining the intensity of sensory attributes. The possibility to enhance intensity of overall flavour, aftertaste and roasted flavour without excessive pungent flavour and without reduced fresh flavour in wheat bread containing 20 g sourdough/100 g of wheat dough was demonstrated by choosing e.g. Lb. brevis for a starter and by utilization of high ash content of flour, long fermentation time and reduced temperature. Bread specific volume was improved 0.2-0.5 ml/g and hardness was reduced (after 4 days of storage) up to 260 g by using low ash content of flour and by optimizing fermentation time according to the microbial strain. Lactic acid fermentation had more profound influence on both desired and undesired flavour attributes, as well as textural features of bread in comparison with yeast fermentation.     

Propionic acid production by cofermentation of Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus diolivorans in sourdough

Cooperative metabolism of lactobacilli in silage fermentation converts lactate to propionate. This study aimed to determine whether propionate production by Lactobacillus buchneri and Lactobacillus diolivorans can be applied for bread preservation. Propionate formation was observed in cofermentation with L. buchneri and L. diolivorans in modified MRS broth as well as sourdough with low, medium and high ash contents. 48 mM of propionate was formed in sourdough with medium ash content, but only 9 and 28 mM propionate were formed in sourdoughs prepared from white wheat flour or whole wheat flour, respectively. Acetate levels were comparable in all three sourdoughs and ranged from 160 to 175 mM. Sourdough fermented with L. buchneri and L. diolivorans was used in breadmaking and its effect on fungal spoilage was compared to traditional sourdough or propionate addition to straight doughs. Bread slices were inoculated with Aspergillus clavatus, Cladosporium spp., Mortierella spp. or Penicillium roquefortii. The use of 20% experimental sourdough inhibited growth of three of the four moulds for more than 12 days. The use of 10% experimental sourdough deferred growth of two moulds by one day. Bread from traditional sourdough with added acetate had less effect in inhibiting mould growth.     

Effects of baking on protein digestibility of organic spelt products determined by two in vitro digestion methods

Consumption of organic foods is steadily increasing because it is believed to be healthier than conventional foods. This study was designed to investigate protein digestibility of organic spelt bread, biscuit, cookie and muffin in comparison to their corresponding normal wheat products. Three types of fermented bread products namely, yeast leavened, sour and yeast/sour dough were evaluated. Protein digestibility was assessed based on two methods, three-enzyme one-step and two-enzyme two-step digestion in vitro. The one-step digestion method produced results that were comparable with in vivo (rat) methods whereas the two-step digestion method was more reliable in determining differences among the examined wheat products. Organic spelt used in the present study was comparable to common wheat in protein content averaging 15.4 g/100 g dry matter. Slight differences were observed between organic spelt and common wheat products in protein digestibility determined by the two digestion methods. However, significant differences were found among each wheat products. In general, after baking protein digestion was significantly increased. Spelt and common wheat bread products had similar protein digestibility within each type of bread with sour dough breads had the highest protein digestibility. Biscuit, cookie and muffin products possessed lower protein digestibility than breads. In general, variations in protein digestibility due to baking were more noticeable than that found between the two wheats.     

Release of free ferulic acid and changes in antioxidant properties during the wheat and rye bread making process

Changes in the free ferulic acid (FFA) contents and antioxidant properties during bread making processes were determined. Experimental breads were produced from whole meal and white wheat and rye flours, and fermented using either baker’s yeast or sourdough starter. Sourdough fermented bread contained the highest content of FFA. Release of occurred mainly during dough fermentation. A further increase in the ferulic acid content in the bread crumb and a decrease in the crust was observed. Total antioxidant properties of sourdough bread, defined as the sum of lipophilic and hydrophilic compound activities, were significantly (p<0.05) higher than for yeast bread. Sourdough bread contained more methanol soluble phenolic compounds, proteins, tocochromanols, and oxidized products of fatty acids than yeast bread. The equilibrium between the anti- and pro-oxidative compound contents resulted in similar antioxidant properties for bread using both types of fermentation, and to results observed for the flour used for baking.     

Immobilization of kefir and Lactobacillus casei on brewery spent grains for use in sourdough wheat bread making

New types of bread were produced employing baker’s yeast, kefir or Lactobacillus casei immobilized on brewer’s spent grains. Bread was produced either by the straight-dough or the sourdough method. All the studied biocatalysts and their corresponding sourdoughs were found efficient for breadmaking. Good rising was achieved and the produced breads had good overall quality and remained fresher for longer, compared to commercial type baker’s yeast bread. The best results were obtained for sourdough breads, with higher moisture retention during baking, lower rates of water evaporation and staling, and maintenance of freshness for longer (4–5 days). Consumer evaluation showed bigger preference for the sourdough breads as far as aroma, taste and overall quality were concerned, justified by the GC-MS analysis of volatiles that revealed a different aroma profile, with more compounds identified than in breads produced by the straight-dough method, obviously due to variations in microbial populations.     

Application of Bifidobacteria as Starter Culture in Whole Wheat Sourdough Breadmaking

This investigation is aimed at developing a new cereal-based product, with increased nutritional quality, by using Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum ATCC 27919 as starter in whole wheat sourdough fermentation and evaluating its performance. Four different sourdough levels (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% on flour basis) in bread dough formulation were analysed. The effects of the use of bifidobacteria in sourdough bread were comparatively evaluated with controls (yeast and/or chemically acidified sourdough with antibiotics). The sourdough and dough fermentative parameters analysed were pH, total titratable acidity, d/l-lactic and acetic acids. Bread performance was evaluated by specific volume, slice shape, crumb structure and firmness, crust and crumb colour, pH, total titratable acidity, and d/l-lactic and acetic acids, phytate, and lower myo-inositol phosphate contents. The sourdough breads showed similar technological quality to the control sample, with the exception of specific bread volume (decreased from 2.46 to 2.22 mL/g) and crumb firmness (increased from 2.61 to 3.18 N). Sourdough inoculated with bifidobacteria significantly increased the levels of organic acids in fermented dough and bread. The Bifidobacterium strain contributed to the fermentation process, increasing phytate hydrolysis during fermentation owing to the activation of endogenous cereal phytase and its own phytase, resulting in bread with significantly lower phytate levels (from 7.62 to 1.45 μmol/g of bread in dry matter). The inclusion of sourdough inoculated with bifidobacteria made possible the formulation of whole wheat bread with positive changes in starch thermal properties and a delay and decrease in amylopectin retrogradation.     

Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Inhibit Rope Spoilage in Wheat Sourdough Bread

The ability of selected lactic acid bacteria to inhibit the growth of rope-forming Bacillus strains in laboratory experiments and in wheat bread was investigated. Growth of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis was inhibited by Lactobacillus plantarum VTT E-78076 and Pediococcus pentosaceus VTT E-90390 in an automated turbidometry assay and in test bakings. Rope spoilage of wheat bread was inhibited by adding 20-30 g of sourdough/100 g of wheat dough if the sourdough was fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum VTT E-78076,Pediococcus pentosaceus VTT E-90390 or Lactobacillus brevis (commercial starter culture) and the pH values of sourdoughs were adjusted below 4.0 and the amount of total titratable acidity value was >12. Addition of lactic acid alone in concentrations comparable with those formed in sourdoughs did not prevent rope spoilage.     

Characterization of glucan-producing Leuconostoc strains isolated from sourdough

Sourdough was previously demonstrated to be a fruitful biotope for isolation of lactic acid bacteria producing exopolysaccharides and more accurately diverse glycan polymers which have interesting applications as texturing agents or prebiotics. Characterization of polymers by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that these strains could synthesize glucans of high structural variety and containing different amounts of α-(1 → 2), α-(1 → 3) and α-(1 → 6) linkages. In this study, fifteen glucan-producing Leuconostoc mesenteroides and L. citreum strains from sourdoughs were characterized according to carbohydrate fermentation, rep-PCR fingerprinting using (GTG)₅ primers and glycansucrase activity (soluble or cell-associated). Enzyme characterization using SDS-PAGE and in situ polymer production after incubation with sucrose correlated with synthesis of classical or α-(1 → 2) branched dextrans, alternan and levan. In addition, the presence of genes coding for alternansucrase was detected by PCR and partially characterized by sequence analysis. We thus provide new information on the biodiversity of glucan production by sourdough Leuconostoc strains.     

Effects of wheat sourdough process on the quality of mixed oat-wheat bread

The aim of this work was to study the effects of sourdough fermentation of wheat flour with Lactobacillus plantarum, on the quality attributes of mixed oat-wheat bread (51 g whole grain oat flour and 49 g/100 g white wheat flour). Emphasis was laid both on β-glucan stability as well as bread structure and sensory quality. The variables of the sourdough process were: dough yield (DY), fermentation time, fermentation temperature, and amount of sourdough added to the bread dough. The sourdough process was shown to be a feasible method for mixed oat-wheat bread, and, when optimized, provided bread quality equal to straight dough baking. A small amount (10g/100 g dough) of slack sourdough fermented at high temperature for a long time resulted in the most optimal sourdough bread with the highest specific volume (3.5 cm³/g), the lowest firmness after 3 days storage (0.31 kg), and low sensory sourness with high intensity of the crumb flavour. Wheat sourdough parameters did not affect the content of oat β-glucan in the bread. Additionally, both straight dough and sourdough bread contained 1.4-1.6 g β-glucan/100 g fresh bread. The average molecular weight of β-glucan was 5.5 × 10⁵ in both types of bread, while that of oat flour was 10 × 10⁵. This indicates that a slight degradation of β-glucan occurred during proofing and baking, and it was not affected by variation in the acidity of the bread between pH 4.9-5.8.     

Sourdough-isolated<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Lactobacillus fermentum</Emphasis> as a potent anti-mould preservative of a traditional Iranian bread

Sourdough bread is an ancient method for making long microbial shelf life and strongly flavoured breads. Traditional sourdough bread-making has been practised for centuries in Iran. Although rural bread-making is still highly reliant on sourdough, urban bakeries usually use bakers yeast and also sodium bicarbonate instead. In this study the anti-mould preservative effects of three lactic acid bacteria isolates were investigated on one of the popular traditional Iranian bread (Lavash). Starter cultures were prepared using 20 h cultures of three sourdough-isolated strains, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum. Different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8%) of lactobacillus starter cultures were used to prepare a variety of sourdoughs. Lavash doughs were inoculated with 20% of each lactobacilli-fermented sourdough. After a 20 h incubation at 30 °C, a decrease in pH was observed in the different lactobacilli sourdoughs. However an 8% inoculum of L. fermentum resulted in a significant decrease in pH (3.87 to 2.70). Concentrations of 2% and higher of the three lactobacilli used in Lavash sourdough delayed mould growth during storage. However this preservative effect was more significant when an 8% inoculum of L. fermentum was used. These results tend to suggest that selected strains of lactobacilli have a beneficial role in prevention of bread waste by mould spoilage, and hence could extend bread shelf life.     

Studies on the low-salt Chinese potherb mustard (Brassica juncea, Coss.) pickle. I—The effect of a homofermentative l(+)-lactic acid producer Bacillus coagulans on starter culture in the low-salt Chinese potherb mustard pickle fermentation

A homofermentative l(+)-lactic acid producer Bacillus coagulans B179 has been evaluated as starter cultures for low-salt potherb mustard pickle process. This study examined the impact of inoculation by B. coagulans B179 as starter culture on the spontaneous lab-scale fermentation process of potherb mustard pickle. Three different salt concentrations trials, i.e., 5 g/100 g, 8 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g, respectively, were carried out. As a result, the addition of starter culture of B. coagulans B179 to 5 g/100 g salinity fermentation showed an inhibiting effect upon the population of non-lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and marked increase in population of LAB and production of titratable acidity but did not significantly influence the pickle end products quantity of acid produced by fermentation as compared with a treatment without inoculation. However, in the higher salt concentrations, i.e., 8 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g NaCl trials, inoculation had no impact on the fermentation of the pickle. From the standpoint of fermentation, as a functional starter culture, inoculated B. coagulans B179 can effectively improve desired native LAB growth and inhibit the growth of undesired fungi, which will thereby allow it to shorten fermentation period and enhance the pickle quality in the low-salt potherb mustard pickle production.     

Utilization of African grains for sourdough bread making

Abstract: Acha and Iburu flours were singly subjected to sourdough fermentation with previously selected autochthonous starters. Sourdoughs were used (30%, wt/wt) as aroma carriers and acidifiers during short time fermentation with the addition of baker's yeast. Acha and Iburu sourdough breads were compared to wheat sourdough bread started with the same strains and to breads made with the same formula but using baker's yeast alone. During Acha and Iburu sourdough fermentations, starter lactic acid bacteria reached almost the same cell density found in wheat sourdoughs. Acidification was more intense. Iburu sourdough bread had the highest total titratable acidity, the lowest pH, and contained the highest levels of free amino acids and phytase activity. The values of in vitro protein digestibility did not differ between Acha sourdough and wheat sourdough breads, while Iburu sourdough bread showed a slightly lower value. Acha and Iburu sourdough breads showed lower specific volume and higher density with respect to wheat sourdough breads. Nevertheless, Acha and Iburu sourdough breads were preferred for hardness and resilience. As shown by sensory analysis, Acha and especially Iburu sourdough breads were appreciated for color, acid taste and flavor, and overall acceptability. Practical Application: This study was aimed at evaluating the technological and nutritional properties of the African cereals Acha and Iburu. Sourdough fermentation and the use of selected starters increased the nutritional and sensory qualities and the potential application for bakery industry.     

Interaction effects of fermentation time and added asparagine and glycine on acrylamide content in yeast-leavened bread

The interaction effects of fermentation time and added asparagine and glycine on acrylamide precursors (asparagine and reducing sugars) in dough and content of acrylamide in yeast-leavened wheat bread were studied. Two experiments, with low and high levels of added asparagine (0–0.044 and 0.071–0.476 g/100 g flour, respectively), were performed. Glycine was added (0.042–0.380 g/100 g flour) only in the high asparagine addition experiment. The fermentation time, which was varied between 13 and 164 min, showed a reducing effect on acrylamide precursors in the dough in both experiments (p < 0.001). These effects of fermentation were more pronounced in the experiment with low asparagine levels, which resembled levels in ingredients. In contrast, fermentation time did not affect the content of glycine in the dough. Added asparagine increased the levels of asparagine in dough and of acrylamide in bread (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was found between the contents of asparagine in the fermented dough and acrylamide in breads at all levels of asparagine. Glycine significantly increased the colour intensity and reduced the acrylamide in bread (p < 0.001) with the latter effect being dependent on the level of asparagine.     

Sourdough “ciabatta” bread enriched with powdered insects: Physicochemical,microbiological, and simulated intestinal digesta functional properties

Powdered mealworm (MW) and buffalo worm (BW) larvae were used to functionalize sourdough Italian-style breads. Sourdough inoculum was started with Levilactobacillus brevis, Weissella cibaria and Leuconostoc citreum. The doughs were SBS (semolina plus powdered BW larvae and sourdough) and SMS (semolina plus powdered MW larvae and sourdough) whose pHs (4.32 and 4.21, respectively) were higher than that of control (3.81). The highest fermentation quotient (lactate/acetate molar ratio) was recorded in SMS (4.46). LAB reached viable counts of about 10⁹ CFU g⁻¹ in almost all doughs. Insects impacted bread VOCs with dodecanal, 2.4-dodecadienal and 2-octenal-2-butyl. SBS and SMS increased the antioxidant capacity of breads by 42 and 69%, respectively. SMS decreased the glucose release in the bio-accessible fraction by 70% reducing the glycemic index of bread. Control breads were more appreciated by the sensory panel than insect-containing breads, though SMS breads were characterized by a slightly lower overall assessment.     

Structural and rheological characterisation of heteropolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria in wheat and sorghum sourdough

Hydrocolloids improve the volume, texture, and shelf life of bread. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during sourdough fermentation can replace hydrocolloids. It was the aim of this study to determine whether heteropolysaccharides (HePS) synthesized intracellularly from sugar nucleotides by glycosyltransferases are produced in wheat and gluten-free sorghum sourdough at effective levels. The HePS-producing strains Lactobacillus casei FUA3185, L. casei FUA3186, and Lactobacillus buchneri FUA3154 were used; Weissella cibaria 10M producing no EPS in the absence of sucrose served as control strain. Cell suspensions of L. buchneri in MRS showed the highest viscosity at low shear rate. Glycosyltransferase genes responsible of HePS formation in LAB were expressed in sorghum and wheat sourdough. However, only HePS produced by L. buchneri influenced the rheological properties of sorghum sourdoughs but not of wheat sourdoughs. Sorghum sourdough fermented with L. buchneri exhibited a low |G^∗| compared to the control, indicating a decrease in resistance to deformation. An increase in tan δ indicated decreased elasticity.The use of LAB producing HePS expands the diversity of EPS and increases the variety of cultures for use in baking.     

Quality and antioxidant property of buckwheat enhanced wheat bread

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrium esculentum Moench) was used to substitute 15% of wheat flour to make buckwheat enhanced wheat breads. Proximate composition, physical quality, functional components and antioxidant properties of buckwheat enhanced wheat breads were analysed and compared with those of white bread. Specific volumes of three breads were 6.10–6.75 cm³/g. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread showed lower lightness and whiteness index values and higher redness and yellowness values. On a seven-point hedonic scale, all sensory results were 5.33–5.91, indicating that three breads were moderately acceptable. No differences were found in appearance, colour and overall sensory attributes for three breads, whereas both buckwheat enhanced wheat breads were rated higher in flavour and mouth feel. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread contained more rutin and quercetin as expected. Buckwheat enhanced wheat bread was good in antioxidant activity, reducing power and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability with unhusked buckwheat enhanced wheat bread being the most effective. Overall, buckwheat enhanced wheat bread could be developed as a food with more effective antioxidant properties.     

Isolation of lactic acid bacteria starters from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jeung</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">pyun</Emphasis> for sourdough fermentation

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are key for the fermentation of sourdoughs to improve the quality and nutritive value of bread. The aim of this study was to isolate the LAB starter for sourdough fermentation from Jeung-pyun, a Korean traditional rice cake. Among the twenty two LAB screened, five isolates were selected based on exo-polysaccharide production. Among them, three isolates showed cell growth greater than 8.5 Log CFU/g, maximum increase in the volume of dough, and dextran concentration up to 0.16%. During the sourdough fermentation, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were changed, as the three isolates synthesized lactic acid and acetic acid with fermentation quotients less than 2.0. They were identified as Leuconostoc lactis EFEL005, Lactobacillus brevis EFEL004, and Le. citreum EFEL006. They displayed good fermentation properties (growth, dextran production, pH, and TTA) in dough and they are regarded as potential starters to be used in sourdough fermentation.