Effect of ultrafine grinding on hydration and antioxidant properties of wheat bran dietary fiber

Wheat bran dietary fiber (DF) powders was prepared by ultrafine grinding, whose effects were investigated on the composition, hydration and antioxidant properties of the wheat bran DF products. The results showed that ultrafine grinding could effectively pulverize the fiber particles to submicron scale. As particle size decrease, the hydration properties (water holding capacity, water retention capacity and swelling capacity) of wheat bran DF were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased and a redistribution of fiber components from insoluble to soluble fractions was observed. The antioxidant activities of wheat bran and DF before and after grinding were in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferrous ion-chelating activity, reducing power and total phenolic content (TPC). Compared with DF before and after grinding, micronized insoluble DF showed increased chelating activity, reducing power and TPC yet decreased DPPH˙ radical scavenging activity. Positive correlations were detected between chelating activity, reducing power and TPC.