Effect of enzymatic crosslinking on the handling properties of dough as a function of NaCl levels for CWRS varieties, Pembina and Harvest.

The effects of transglutaminase (TG) and glucose oxidase (GO) on the handling properties of model bread dough were examined at both normal (2% wt. by flour) and reduced (1% wt.) sodium chloride (NaCl) levels using two Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) cultivars; Pembina and Harvest. The reduction of NaCl level had negative effects on dough rheology and stickiness, however, the inclusion of GO (0.001 and 0.01% by flour weight) or TG (only at the 0.5% by flour weight inclusion) was able to improve dough strength and reduce stickiness. GO appeared to be more effective than TG (at 0.01%) at equivalent concentrations for improving dough-handling properties. Flour cultivar had significant effects; Harvest flour (weaker) was more impacted by salt reduction and enzyme inclusion compared to Pembina flour (stronger). Crosslinking assays showed significant differences in glutenin macropolymer (GMP) content in dough prepared with GO, and dough prepared with different flours. Additionally, significantly fewer free thiol groups were found in dough produced with GO compared to dough without any enzymes and those with TG. GO appears to have potential for use as a bread improver to reduce stickiness and improve the strength of bread dough produced at lower salt concentrations, especially for dough prepared with weaker flour cultivars.