The Mediterranean diet, featuring sourdough bread, shows promise in managing metabolic syndrome. This study explored the effects of two sourdough breads, with differing fermentation times but similar nutritional profiles, on inflammation, satiety, and gut microbiota composition in adults with metabolic syndrome. In a double-blind clinical trial, participants were randomized to consume either Elias Boulanger® long-fermentation (48 h) sourdough bread (EBLong) or Elias Boulanger® short-fermentation (2 h) sourdough bread (EBShort) over a two-month period. We assessed clinical parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, satiety-related hormones, and the richness and abundance of gut microbiota at baseline and follow-up. The participants included 31 individuals (mean age, 67, 51.6% female). EBShort was associated with reduced levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), and all participants, regardless of the intervention, exhibited a decrease in sICAM and diastolic pressure from baseline (p < 0.017). At follow-up, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were lower in EBShort (-744 pg/mL; 95%CI: -282 to -1210 pg/mL) compared to EBLong. No differences in microbiota richness or abundance were observed. EBShort bread was effective in reducing some inflammation markers. The consumption of sourdough bread may offer potential benefits in reducing inflammation markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome; however, longer fermentation times did not show additional benefits.

This study tested the effect of Companilactobacillus paralimentarius E-106, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum N-15 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SC-9 on the amount of Maillard reaction and aroma profile in bread making with main bread quality parameters. The specific volumes of sourdough and control breads were in the range of 2.97-3.04 cm3/g, and the control II bread had the highest hardness values on all days. The FAST index value was determined to be between 40.48% and 81.22% in all breads. The FAST index value was found to be higher in the control breads than in the sourdough breads. In the volatile compounds analysis, 72 volatile compounds were detected. The variety of volatile compounds in the breads with sourdough addition was higher than the control breads. Among the tested strains, Companilactobacillus paralimentarius E-106 demonstrated superior properties for bread characteristics in comparison to other strains as a type II sourdough starter. In summary, improved aroma profile and decreased Maillard reaction products can be provided by sourdough addition without changing the bread quality, along with meeting consumer demand for less additive use.

Raw materials and process parameters in bread production can modulate the glycemic index, which on itself has been linked with provision of better hunger satisfaction and maintaining better satiation. The objective of this research was to investigate if using unrefined wheat flour or the addition of intact cereals in formulation or alternating the baking time would have an effect on physical characteristics, sensory quality, glycaemic index and appetite sensations in wheat sourdough bread. In the study, three types of commercial part-baked frozen sourdough bread, baked to the final baking for two different times (long and short baking time) were used. A randomized controlled crossover trial was performed with 10 healthy adults who consumed sufficient quantity of bread to ingest 50 g available carbohydrates. Participants self-reported appetite sensations (desire to eat, hunger, fullness, satisfaction, appetite) on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) scale in a course of 180 min. In addition, bread products were subjected to overall acceptability and different sensory attributes were examined on JAR \"just about right\" scale. Different bread formulations (refined flour, unrefined wheat flour, cereal flour or intact cereals) and different length of baking time significantly influenced (p < 0.005) physical, textural and sensory features of products. The alternation of aforementioned parameters decreased the glycemic index, but not significantly (p > 0.005). No correlation was found between lower GI, satiety and satiation. Liking score and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of satiety and satiation were calculated as highest in sourdough bread with added cereals.

Triticale (×Triticosecale) is a hybrid between wheat (Triticum spp.) and rye (Secale cereale), producing higher grain yields than wheat in challenging environments. Triticale grain is also highly nutritious. Thus, the potential of triticale grain for an expanded range of food applications should be explored. Sourdough bread has unique functional and nutritional properties, but understanding the effects of partial substitution of triticale for wheat flour and varying levels of dough moisture content on sourdough quality requires further research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wholegrain flour of contrasting triticale cultivars in comparison to that of a common wheat cultivar in commercial sourdough breadmaking. Two triticale cultivars (Goanna and Hawkeye, selected from a panel of Australian genotypes) and one wheat cultivar (Scout) were grown in a field trial in northern NSW, Australia. Differences in quantitative texture and color parameters of the dough and sourdough bread resulting from (1) substitution of commercial wholemeal wheat flour with different proportions of wholegrain triticale or wholegrain wheat (Scout) flour (0%, 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and (2) varying the amount of water included in the dough preparation (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100 g water/100 g flour) were determined. Replacement of wholemeal wheat flour with 60% wholegrain Goanna flour (protein content 12.76%; c.f. 11.50% for Hawkeye, 12.40% for Scout), and addition of 100 g water/100 g flour in the dough preparation gave the highest quality sourdough bread based on specific volume, texture, and color parameters and had similar properties to the control made from wheat alone.

To ensure the best quality bread, it is important to consider the speed of digestion of starch and proteins, as well as how time fermentation and storage time influence the rate of starch digestion and the texture of the bread. This study compared the effect of fermentation time and days of storage on the texture, physicochemical, protein and starch digestibility of sourdough bread. Texture profile analysis showed that the fermentation time in recently baked sourdough bread affects hardness, chewiness, and springiness. The electrophoretic profile showed a decrease in band thickness with increase in fermentation time, consistent with a higher percentage of protein digestion. While fermentation time did not significantly affect rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS), storage time resulted in a decrease in RDS and an increase in SDS. Sourdough breads had higher levels of resistant starch (RS). The digestibility characteristics of protein and starch, as well as texture properties, are significantly influenced by fermentation and storage time. The evidence suggests that sourdough bread has the potential to improve the digestion of protein and to effectively regulate the glycemic response, which is due to its higher levels of SDS and RS.

BACKGROUND: The current research targeted to study the impact of nutritional intervention by two sourdough breads in improvement of cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats.
METHODS: Type-2 diabetes was induced in rats by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NC). Diabetic rats were fed on balanced diet or balanced diet containing 20% of sourdough bread I or II for a month. Lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and cognitive functions were assessed in all rats. Gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2) were assessed in hippocampal tissue, while expression of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxy kinase (PEPCK), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) genes were evaluated in hepatic tissue. Chemical composition and fatty acids profile were evaluated in the prepared sourdough bread.
RESULTS: Sourdough bread II showed higher content of phenolic compounds, fat, fiber and carbohydrates. Fatty acids profile revealed that sourdough bread I was higher in saturated fatty acids (16.08%), while sourdough bread sample II was higher in unsaturated fatty acids (79.33%). Sourdough bread I or II feeding rats\' showed significant improvement in hyperglycemia, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney functions in association with improvement in cognitive function. Gene expression of BDNF and NRF2 in hippocampal tissue were increased significantly, while hepatic GLUT2 and PEPCK gene expression were down-regulated in diabetic given sourdough bread I or II.
CONCLUSIONS: Sourdough bread II was superior in all the studied parameters. The anti-diabetic effect and protection from cognitive dysfunction of sourdough bread samples may be ascribed to the occurrence of dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Kokumi-active γ-glutamyl dipeptides accumulate during sourdough fermentation. γ-Glutamylcysteine ligases (Gcls) of Limosilactobacillus reuteri synthesize γ-glutamyl dipeptides during growth in sourdough. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of Gcls from strains of L. reuteri in the formation of kokumi-active γ-glutamyl dipeptides in sourdough bread. Among 12 acceptor amino acids, the three Gcls of L. reuteri were the most active to Cys. With the acceptor amino acids Ile, Leu, and Phe, Gcl1 was more active than Gcl2 and Gcl3. Accordingly, Gcl1 contributed to the γ-Glu-Ile synthesis in sourdough fermentation. Proofing and baking strongly influenced the concentration of γ-glutamyl dipeptides in bread. The addition of 10% sourdough increased the content of γ-Glu-Leu and γ-Glu-Phe but not of other γ-glutamyl dipeptides in bread. In conclusion, the accumulation of kokumi γ-glutamyl dipeptides in sourdoughs was attributed to the combined activity of cereal enzymes, γ-glutamyl-cysteine ligases, and other microbial enzymes.

A β-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene (Auglu12A) from Aspergillus usamii was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant enzyme, reAuglu12A was efficiently purified using the one-step nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. The specific activity of reAuglu12A was 694.8 U/mg, with an optimal temperature of 55°C and pH of 5.0. The reAuglu12A exhibited stability at temperatures up to 60°C and within the pH range of 4.0-5.5. The reAuglu12A hydrolytic activity was increased in the presence of metal ions, especially K+ and Na+ , whereas it exhibited a Km and Vmax of 8.35 mg/mL and 1254.02 µmol/min/mg, respectively, toward barley β-glucan at pH 5.0 and 55°C. The addition of reAuglu12A significantly increased the specific volume (p < 0.05) and reduced crumb firmness and chewiness (p < 0.05) of wheat-barley sourdough bread during a 7-day storage period compared to the control. Overall, the quality of wheat-barley sourdough bread was improved after incorporation of reAuglu12A (especially at 3000 U/300 g). These changes were attributed to the synergistic effect of acidification by sourdough and its metabolites which provided a conducive environment for the optimal action of reAuglu12A in the degradation of β-glucans of barley flour in sourdough. This stabilized the dough structure, thereby enhancing the quality, texture, and shelf life of the bread. These findings suggest that reAuglu12A holds promise as a candidate for β-glucanase application in the baking industry.

The microbial fermentation behind sourdough bread is among our oldest technologies, yet there are many opportunities for sourdough science to learn from traditional bakers. We analyzed 16S rRNA sequences in R to assess the bacterial community structure and performance of 40 starters grown from 10 types of flour over 14 days, and identified six distinct stages of succession. At each stage, bacterial taxa correlate with determinants of bread quality including pH, rise, and aromatic profile. Day 1 starter cultures were dominated by microorganisms commonly associated with plants and flour, and by aromas similar to toasted grain/cereal. Bacterial diversity peaked from days 2-6 as taxa shifted from opportunistic/generalist bacteria associated with flour inputs, toward specialized climax bacterial communities (days 10-14) characterized by acid-tolerant taxa and fruity (p < 3.03e-03), sour (p < 1.60e-01), and fermented (p < 1.47e-05) aromas. This collection of traits changes predictably through time, regardless of flour type, highlighting patterns of bacterial constraints and dynamics that are conserved across systems and scales. Yet, while sourdough climax communities exhibit similar markers of maturity (i.e., pH ≤ 4 and enriched in Lactobacillus (mean abundance 48.1%), Pediococcus (mean abundance 22.7%), and/or Gluconobacter (mean abundance 19.1%)), we also detected specific taxa and aromas associated with each type of flour. Our results address important ecological questions about the relationship between community structure and starter performance, and may enable bakers to deliberately select for specific sourdough starter and bread characteristics.

A traditional Greek sourdough, based on the fermentation of chickpea flour by an autochthonous culture, was evaluated as a wheat bread improver. The dominant indigenous microflora (Clostridium perfringens isolates) was identified by 16S rDNA analysis, and a selected strain (C. perfringens CP8) was employed to ferment chickpea flour to obtain a standardized starter culture (sourdough) for breadmaking. In accordance with toxin-typed strain identification, all isolates lacked the cpe gene; thus, there is no concern for a health hazard. Loaf-specific volumes increased with the addition of liquid, freeze-dried, and freeze-dried/maltodextrin sourdoughs compared to control bread leavened by baker\'s yeast only. Following storage (4 days/25 °C), the amylopectin retrogradation and crumb hardness changes (texture profile analysis) revealed a lower degree of staling for the sourdough-fortified breads. Modifications in the protein secondary structure of fortified doughs and breads were revealed by FTIR analysis. High amounts of organic acids were also found in the sourdough-supplemented breads; butyric and isobutyric acids seemed to be responsible for the characteristic \'butter-like\' flavor of these products (sensory analysis). Overall, the addition of liquid or freeze-dried chickpea sourdough in wheat bread formulations can improve the specific volume, textural characteristics, and sensorial properties of loaves, along with extending bread shelf life.