Microstructure, fundamental rheology and baking characteristics of batters and breads from different gluten-free flours treated with a microbial transglutaminase

Gluten is a fundamental component for the overall quality and structure of breads. The replacement of the gluten network in the development of gluten-free cereal products is a challenging task for the cereal technologist. The functionality of proteins from gluten-free flours could be modified in order to improve their baking characteristics by promoting protein networks. Transglutaminase (TGase) has been successfully used in food systems to promote protein cross-linking. In this study, TGase was investigated for network forming potential on flours from six different gluten-free cereals (brown rice, buckwheat, corn, oat, sorghum and teff) used in breadmaking. TGase was added at 0, 1 or 10 U/g of proteins present in the recipe. The effect of TGase on batters and breads was evaluated by fundamental rheological tests, Texture Profile Analysis and standard baking tests. Three-dimensional elaborations of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) images were performed on both batters and breads to evaluate the influence of TGase on microstructure. Fundamental rheological tests showed a significant increase in the pseudoplastic behaviour of buckwheat and brown rice batters when 10 U of TGase were used. The resulting buckwheat and brown rice breads showed improved baking characteristics as well as overall macroscopic appearance. Three-dimensional CLSM image elaborations confirmed the formation of protein complexes by TGase action. On the other side, TGase showed negative effects on corn flour as its application was detrimental for the elastic properties of the batters. Nevertheless, the resulting breads showed significant improvements in terms of increased specific volume and decreased crumb hardness and chewiness. Under the conditions of this study, no effects of TGase could be observed on breads from oat, sorghum or teff. Overall, the results of this study show that TGase can be successfully applied to gluten-free flours to improve their breadmaking potentials by promoting network formation. However, the protein source is a key element determining the impact of the enzyme.