Abstract
Protein enriched composite flours comprising rice flour and soybean and pea protein isolates were made. Experimental design resulted
in composite protein enriched blends with different functional, rheological, mechanical and surface related textural properties. The
enzyme transglutaminase (TG) was added for reinforcing the protein network. Protein isolates induced a significant (a < 0.01) increase
in the water absorption of the composite blends, having also a synergistic effect and a decrease of the storage (G0) and viscous (G00)
moduli. Protein isolates also modified the mechanical and surface related textural properties. Soybean protein isolate showed the most
significant effect on the functional properties, rheometer and surface related textural responses. Crosslinking activity of the transglutaminase
led to a significant decrease of the foaming activity and stability. Scanning electron micrographs of the composite blends showed
that the usage of soybean, pea protein isolates and TG would be a promising approach to produce protein enriched blends for making
fermented gluten free products.
2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.