Journal of Food Engineering, Vol.243, 49-56, 2019
Physicochemical properties of native and extruded maize flours in the presence of animal proteins
Interest in protein-enriched starchy products has increased, as protein intake moderately higher than current recommendations may provide health benefits for ageing populations. Influence of the substitution of native or extruded flours by 25 or 50% of proteins (collagen, milk, whey, or egg white) was studied. Collagen was the only protein that increased water binding capacity (p < 0.05) up to 233.72% for mixtures with native flours, and up to 40.85% for mixtures with extruded flours. Regarding gelling properties, regardless of the flour used, mixtures with 50% of collagen increased water absorption index and swelling power (p < 0.05) by similar to 100%, while mixtures with 50% of egg protein decreased water absorption index by similar to 40% (p < 0.05). Pasting viscosity decreased in flour-protein mixtures, except the ones with egg protein, which increased. Endotherm peaks shifted to higher temperatures when proteins were present. Regarding viscoelastic behaviour, when using native flour and higher protein content, gels presented stronger gel behaviour.