Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring Seaweed's Bioactive Compounds for Sustainable Innovations in Industries
Published on: November 21, 2023
Development of new microalgae-based sourdough "crostini": functional effects of Arthrospira platensis (spirulina)
Alberto Niccolai1, Manuel Venturi2, Viola Galli1
1Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Abstract:
The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of Arthrospira platensis F&M-C256 (spirulina) incorporation on the nutritional and functional properties of "crostini", a leavened bakery product largely consumed in Italy and Europe. Sourdough was used as leavening and fermentation agent and three concentrations of A. platensis F&M-C256 were tested: 2%, 6% and 10% (w/w). Despite a lower volume increase compared to the control, the A. platensis F&M-C256 "crostini" doughs reached a technological appropriate volume after fermentation. At the end of fermentation, no significant differences in microorganisms concentrations were observed. A. platensis F&M-C256 "crostini" showed higher protein content compared to the control. Considering the European Commission Regulation on nutritional claims, "crostini" incorporated with 6% and 10% biomass can be claimed to be a "source of protein". Six and ten percent A. platensis "crostini" also presented significantly higher antioxidant capacity and phenolics. A significantly lower value of in vitro dry matter and protein digestibility between A. platensis F&M-C256 "crostini" and the control was found. The overall acceptability decreased with increasing A. platensis F&M-C256 addition. The combination of spirulina biomass addition and the sourdough technology led to the development of a novel microalgae-based bakery product with nutritional and functional features.
Related Concept Videos
Green Algae
Microbial Fermentation
Other Algae
Overview of Algae
Red Algae
Fermentation
Fermentation is a type of metabolic process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where organic molecules such as glucose are broken down to produce energy. During this process, the...

