Comparison of Properties of Breads Enriched with Omega-3 Oil Encapsulated in β-Glucan and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Cells

Background and objective: Flaxseed oil, as a potential source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, is susceptible to oxidation. Yeast cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β-glucan can be used as biocompatible and biodegradable matrices for the protection of this nutritious oil from oxidation in foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. The aim of this study was to investigate quality properties of breads containing encapsulated and free flaxseed oils. Materials and methods: Flaxseed oil was encapsulated in either yeast cells or β-glucan. Functional wheat bread samples were prepared using unencapsulated and encapsulated flaxseed oils. These were compared with control samples in terms of dough rheological and bread quality parameters. Results and conclusion: Encapsulation significantly increased dough rheological properties (G′ and G″ values), firmness and density and decreased lightness, compared to control samples. Breads, containing flaxseed oil encapsulated in yeast cells, showed a lower peroxide index and a higher α-linolenic acid value, compared to two other samples containing oil samples. This showed a better protection of unsaturated fatty acids against deleterious oxidation reactions. Results of this study indicate that addition of microencapsulated flaxseed oil into breads helps preserve sensory properties of the control sample, compared to breads fortified with free flaxseed oil. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.