Influence of xanthan gum and gluten on in vitro digestibility and textural properties of rice bread

3D printing of prawn mimics with faba proteins: The effects of transglutaminase and curdlan gum on texture

With its capability for automated production of high-resolution structures, 3D printing can develop plant-based seafood mimics with comparable protein content. However, the challenge lies in solidifying 3D printed products to achieve the firmness of seafood. Targeting prawn, texturisation of its 3D printed mimic by curdlan gum was compared against incubation with a protein cross-linking enzyme, microbial transglutaminase. Faba bean protein extract (FBP) was selected for its lightest colour. To confer structural stability to the FBP-based ink without hindering extrudability, adding 1 % xanthan gum was optimal. Printed curdlan-containing mimics were steamed for 9 min, while printed transglutaminase-containing mimics were incubated at 55 °C before steaming. Either adding 0.0625 % or 0.125 % w/w curdlan or, incubating the transglutaminase-containing mimics for an hour achieved chewiness of 818.8-940.6 g, comparable to that of steamed prawn (953.13 g). Curdlan hydrogel penetrated and reinforced the FBP network as observed under confocal imaging. Whereas incubation of transglutaminase-containing mimics enhanced microstructural connectivity, attributable to transglutaminase-catalysed isopeptide cross-linkages, and the consequent increase in disulfide bonding and β-sheet. Ultimately, transglutaminase treatment appeared more suitable than curdlan, as it yielded mimics with cutting strength comparable to steamed prawn. Both demonstrated promising potential to broaden the variety of 3D printed seafood mimics.

Effects of Tremella aurantialba on physical properties, in vitro glucose release, digesta rheology, and microstructure of bread

In this study, the functional properties of a mixture consisting of Tremella aurantialba powder (TAP) and wheat flour were investigated. Further, the effects of adding 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% TAP on the physical properties of bread, as well as its glucose release, microstructure, and rheology during in vitro simulated digestion were studied. The water-holding, oil-holding, and swelling capacities of wheat flour were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) with the increase of TAP. The addition of TAP increased the hardness, chewiness, gumminess, and moisture content and darkened the color of the bread. Sensory evaluation showed that adding the 3% of TAP could produce bread that satisfies the requirements of consumers. Furthermore, adding TAP could inhibit the release of glucose from the digesta into the dialysis solution, especially the addition of 10% TAP reduced the release of bread glucose by 23.81%. This phenomenon might be related to the increased viscosity of the digesta and the smooth physical barrier on the surface of starch granules during simulated in vitro digestion of bread. Therefore, as a natural food, T. aurantialba has great potential in improving the functional properties of bread and the application of starch matrix products.

Production of buns, the bakery-based snack food, with reduced refined wheat flour content: Recent developments

Buns are very soft puffed bakery snack items, popular in many countries, especially low- and middle-income nations. Buns are either eaten directly or used in the preparation of culinary items. Buns are mainly prepared using refined wheat flour rich in gluten protein and devoid of husk. Consuming gluten-containing foods is leading to several health complications among consumers worldwide. Hence, several researchers have tried to reduce the gluten content in the dough by incorporating cereals flours, protein-rich sources like soy, cheese whey, etc., hydrocolloids, millets, pomace, and seed flour of vegetables and fruits, etc. These additives not only reduce gluten content in the buns to a certain extent but also enhance the fibre content and nutritional profile of the buns. This mini-review summarizes the recent developments in the production of buns using these additives to improve their nutritional quality.

Effective Use of Plant Proteins for the Development of "New" Foods

Diversity in our diet mirrors modern society. Affluent lifestyles and extended longevity have caused the prevalence of diabetes and sarcopenia, which has led to the increased demand of low-carb, high-protein foods. Expansion of the global population and Westernization of Asian diets have surged the number of meat eaters, which has eventually disrupted the supply–demand balance of meat. In contrast, some people do not eat meat for religious reasons or due to veganism. With these multiple circumstances, our society has begun to resort to obtaining protein from plant sources rather than animal origins. This “protein shift” urges food researchers to develop high-quality foods based on plant proteins. Meanwhile, patients with food allergies, especially gluten-related ones, are reported to be increasing. Additionally, growing popularity of the gluten-free diet demands development of foods without using ingredients of wheat origin. Besides, consumers prefer “clean-label” products in which products are expected to contain fewer artificial compounds. These diversified demands on foods have spurred the development of “new” foods in view of food-processing technologies as well as selection of the primary ingredients. In this short review, examples of foodstuffs that have achieved tremendous recent progress are introduced: effective use of plant protein realized low-carb, high protein, gluten-free bread/pasta. Basic manufacturing principles of plant-based vegan cheese have also been established. We will also discuss on the strategy of effective development of new foods in view of the better communication with consumers as well as efficient use of plant proteins.