Deciphering the structure-function-quality improvement role of starch gels by wheat bran insoluble dietary fibers
Wei Liang1, Wenqing Zhao1, Qian Lin1
1Shaanxi Union Research Center of University and Enterprise for Grain Processing Technologies, College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
Abstract:
Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) isolated through co-fermented bran from probiotics may improve starch gel-based foods. This work aimed to elucidate the comprehensive impact of different IDF samples (CK, unfermented; NF, natively fermented; YF, yeast fermented; LF, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented; and MF, mix-fermented) and their addition ratios (0.3-0.9%) on gel structure-property function. Results indicated that IDF introduction altered the starch pasting behavior (decreased the viscosity and advanced the pasting time). Also, YF, LF, and MF showed less effect on gel multiscale morphology (SEM and CLSM); however, their excessively high ratio resulted in network structure deterioration. Moreover, FT-IR, XRD, and Raman characterization identified the composite gels interaction mechanisms mainly by hydrogen bonding forces, van der Waals forces, water competition, and physical entanglement. This modulation improved the composite gel water distribution, rheological/stress-strain behavior, textural properties, color, stability, and digestive characteristics. The obtained findings may shed light on the construction and development of whole-grain gel-based food products with new perspectives.


