Oat and rice bran were treated with different levels (0, 70 and 700 ppm) of an endoxylanase enzyme and
added to cakes on 30% flour weight basis. The water binding and holding capacity of brans were decreased
while their soluble dietary fiber content was increased. This enzyme treatment was found to be effective in
reducing the initial crumb firmness and water activity and in increasing the batter viscosity, gelatinization
temperature, specific volume, porosity and sensorial characteristics of the cakes. No differences were observed
in the batter's specific gravity and the cake crumb's moisture content and Browning Index (BI). The
level of endoxylanase treatment did not alter significantly (Pb0.05) the functional properties of the brans
and the quality characteristics of the cakes probably because the treatment time (30 min) was too short to
indicate a significant effect. The optimum cake characteristics were obtained when oat bran treated with
70 ppm endoxylanase was used. Overall, endoxylanase treated brans could be incorporated into cakes and
improve their nutritional and quality characteristics.
Industrial relevance: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the enzyme (xylanase)
treatment of 2 commonly used cereal brans (oat and rice) in order to develop a functional bakery product.
By using cereal bran one can upgrade agricultural products and by‐products for use as food ingredients without
any additional cost. Furthermore, the treatment of raw cereal brans with xylanase alters the composition
and functional properties of brans, influencing the characteristics of the final product as well. Endoxylanase
treated brans were found to have improved functional properties that are essential for a successful incorporation,
as well as higher nutritional value. The results of the study show the potential of using enzymes to
modify underutilized sources of raw materials that can be properly incorporated in baked goods, improving
their nutritional value and quality characteristics. The developed procedure and results can be used by the
bakery industry to make high fibre and low cost bakery products with improved sensorial characteristics
that are appealing to the consumers.