Formulation of New Baking (+)-Catechin Based Leavening Agents: Effects on Rheology, Sensory and Antioxidant Features during Muffin Preparation

• Main Authors: Gabriele Carullo, Francesca Scarpelli, Emilia Lucia Belsito, Paolino Caputo, Cesare Oliviero Rossi, Antonio Mincione, Antonella Leggio, Alessandra Crispini, Donatella Restuccia, Umile Gianfranco Spizzirri, Francesca Aiello
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Foods
• Subjects: muffin; baking powder; formulation and characterization; rheology; antioxidant performances; sensory properties
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/9/11/1569

The aim of this investigation was to prepare two solid mixtures containing a soluble polymorph of (+)-catechin and mucic (MUC) or tartaric (TAR) acids as new leavening agents. The solid mixtures were based on a polymorph of (+)-catechin, characterized through Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) analysis and assayed in <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant and solubility assays. The dough samples were studied by dynamic rheological tests, while muffins were studied through Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME)/ Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify volatile compounds, <i>in vitro</i> tests to evaluate antioxidant properties, and sensory analyses. TAR powder showed a solubility in water almost one order of magnitude increased with respect to commercial (+)-catechin (40.0 against 4.6 mg mL⁻¹) and increased antioxidant performances. In particular, TAR showed total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values of 0.0298 ± 0.021 and 0.0081 ± 0.0009 meq CT/g, while MUC showed better results in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) acid (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), 0.518 ± 0.015 and 0.112 ± 0.010mg/mL, respectively. MS analysis identified different compounds derived from the lipid oxidation process. Muffins obtained using both powders showed interesting outcomes regarding dough process and appreciable appearance/olfactory/taste/texture profiles. Muffins obtained from TAR-based mixture showed also a total phenolic content of 0.00175 meq CT/g muffin, and almost two times improved TAC and scavenger activity against DPPH radical. The formulated powders could be used as suitable health-promoting ingredients in the food industry.