Production and Analysis of Beer Supplemented with Chlorella vulgaris Powder

Abstract

The microalgae Chlorella vulgaris is a cheap source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, and thus is used in many interventional studies. This study evaluated the potential effects of C. vulgaris powder on fermentation parameters; sensory, phytochemical, and antioxidant activity; and the abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of treated versus control beers. A German Pilsner-style lager beer (GPB) was brewed and supplemented with C. vulgaris at various levels (3.3, 5, and 10 g/L) after primary fermentation. The apparent °Brix and pH was used to monitor the progress of fermentation. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to measure the antioxidant activity of beers. Addition of C. vulgaris increased the concentration of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of treated beers (CGB) compared to the control (GPB). Treatment had no effects (p > 0.05) on higher alcohols such as 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-hexanol, and phenylethyl alcohol. An increase in the concentration of C. vulgaris had no significant effects on sensory perception of enriched beers. The results showed that C. vulgaris could be used as a potential ingredient for designing functional beer with improved health benefits.