Particle size, rheological and structural properties of whole wheat flour doughs as treated by high pressure

Abstract

Effect of high-pressure treatment (300–600 MPa) and flour-to-water ratio (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4) on functional, rheological, thermal, and structural properties of whole wheat flour dough were investigated. The particle size distribution, especially Dv90 (90% of the volume distribution), was significantly reduced by the pressure treatment. The damaged starch content increased significantly with the applied pressure and water content. The damaged starch absorbed more water, and subsequently increased the water holding capacity. Thermal transitions and mechanical property of pressure-treated samples were measured by differential scanning calorimetry, and rheometry, respectively. The peak viscosity, hot paste viscosity, and final viscosity decreased significantly with increasing pressure intensity. Hardness increased with the increasing pressure level while stickiness decreased at similar conditions. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the amide I region of the wheat protein. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis further indicated changes in the protein subunits that occurred after pressurization.