Use of Micronization and Complex Coacervation to Preserve Antioxidant Properties of Flavonoids.

The plant flavonoids taxifolin and rutin are among the best known and best studied antioxidants. In addition to their antioxidant properties, other pharmacobiological properties have been established for these substances. At the same time, taxifolin and rutin are chemically labile. They are prone to oxidative degradation and have poor water solubility. Under conditions of their real consumption, all this can lead to a significant reduction or complete loss of bioactivity of these flavonoids. Flavonoid modification and encapsulation techniques can be used to overcome these barrier factors. The use of micronization process for taxifolin and rutin allows changing the lipophilicity values of antioxidants. For micronized taxifolin, the log P value is 1.3 (1.12 for the control forms), and for rutin, it was 0.15 (-0.64 for the control forms). The antioxidant activity of micronized flavonoids has increased about 1.16 times compared to control forms. The present study evaluates the possibility of using encapsulation of premyconized flavonoids by complex coacervation, in order to preserve their antioxidant properties. The results of an in vitro digestion study show that the encapsulated forms of antioxidants retain their bioactivity and bioavailability better than their original forms. The bioavailability indices for the encapsulated forms of flavonoids are more than 1.6 times higher than for their original forms. The digested fractions of the encapsulated properties reveal better antioxidant properties than their original forms in in vitro tests evaluating the antioxidant properties on cultures of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum and human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Encapsulated rutin indicates the highest activity, 0.64 relative to PMA. Thus, the studies represent the feasibility of using encapsulation to protect flavonoids during digestion and ensure the preservation of their antioxidant properties.

The Influence of the Use of Whole Grain Flour from Sprouted Wheat Grain on the Rheological and Microstructural Properties of Dough and Bread.

Whole wheat flour from sprouted wheat grain is a full-fledged raw ingredient containing essential amino acids, easily digestible sugars, and dietary fiber, with increased digestibility and enzymatic activity. The use of this raw material in the production of food products will contribute to the creation of products for a healthy diet of the population. This study is aimed at studying the possibility of using whole grain flour from sprouted wheat in the production of bread and its effect on the rheological and microstructural properties of dough and finished products. It was found that whole wheat flour from sprouted wheat grain had an even particle size and was characterized by a uniform distribution of particles over the size range (from 53 to 209 microns-61 ± 3%); large particles from 297 to 497 microns were present in an amount of no more than 10 ± 3%. The replacement of 20% refined flour with whole wheat flour from sprouted wheat grain resulted in better values of the farinograph quality index (200 ± 3 mm). The bread obtained according to this recipe had a high specific volume (4.21 ± 0.62 mL.g-1) and optimal rheological characteristics: total deformation13.7 ± 0.3 mm, plastic4.3 ± 0.3 mm, and elastic9.4 ± 0.3 mm. The study of the microstructure of dough and bread also confirmed the established dependencies. This percentage of replacement of refined flour with whole wheat flour from sprouted wheat grain can be recommended as the best for obtaining bread of good quality with high rheological characteristics.

Explaining Consumer Intentions for Foods with Antioxidant Properties: Predictors of Choice and Purchase Barriers.

Today, food products not only should serve the source of main nourishment but also must minimize the risk of negative impact on the human body. Products enriched with antioxidants can be referred to such category. For food producers, the development of products "for health" is usually connected with significant investment, whereas the final success of innovative products does not always meet the expectations. The greatest part of such products is withdrawn from the market during the first year. It is important for manufacturers to learn consumer behavior in order to ensure sale growth and a stable market position. The purpose of this study was to study consumer reception of products containing antioxidants. (It is important to conduct market research to identify the needs of buyers in order to maintain a stable position in the market. In order to study this issue, we analyzed the consumer perception of foods with antioxidant properties.) We studied the consumer perception of products with antioxidant properties with regard to choice predictors and barriers for purchasing, which finally determine the success of the product on the market. For this purpose, we conducted a survey of 721 consumers of the South Urals. The results of the statistical analysis done with the help of SPSS proved that South Ural consumers in general are ready to purchase products containing antioxidants. Besides, producers must bring information concerning the real value of the product and win the consumer trust and confidence as far as these are the main predictors determining the choice for purchasing the products containing antioxidants. Misunderstanding of the role antioxidants play in the human body may lead to perception of risk concerning consumption of such products and rejection of the purchase.