Baocheng Xu

Effects of inulin with different degree of polymerization on gelatinization and retrogradation of wheat starch

The effects of three types of inulin, including FS (DP≤10), FI (DP of 2-60) and FXL (DP≥23), on the gelatinization and retrogradation characteristics of wheat starch were investigated. As the concentration of inulin added into starch increased, the gelatinization temperature increased whereas the breakdown value decreased, and the value of setback first decreased and then increased slightly. The three types of inulin with lower concentrations (<15%) all showed obvious suppression effects on the short-term retrogradation of wheat starch. After 7days of storage, the three types of inulin showed a significant suppression of starch retrogradation in the addition range of 5-7.5%. They can all inhibit amylose retrogradation, but accelerate amylopectin retrogradation. Inulin with lower DP has stronger effects on the starch retrogradation. Generally, the three types of inulin can all retard the retrogradation performance of wheat starch to some extent in the long-term storage.

Effect of inulin on rheological properties of soft and strong wheat dough

The influence of inulin with different degrees of polymerisation (DP) on the farinograph characteristics, extensograph parameters and fermentation rheological properties of soft and strong wheat dough was explored. The results showed that the addition of inulin can reduce the water absorption of doughs, and inulin with lower DP had more significant effect and the influence on the soft dough was stronger than the strong dough. Inulin can enhance mechanical properties of the gluten network and improve the resistance to mixing of soft dough. The extensibility of doughs decreased with increasing inulin. Inulin increased the resistance to extension of soft dough; however, it is reverse for strong dough. Adding inulin significantly increased the volume of gas production and the maximum expansion height of doughs, and the effect of inulin with lower DP was more prominent. Additionally, the gas-holding capacity of doughs was enhanced by inulin.