Bread at the nanoscale

Lantmännen and RISE want to establish new knowledge about the interaction of polysaccharides with water, and the gelatinisation of starch granules that shapes the baking process. The results of the X-ray scattering experiments help Lantmännen optimise the different qualities of their flours.

The aim for better flours

Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products with operation in over 20 countries. One of the cooperative’s key activity areas is in the production of polysaccharides, especially starch and flour, for the baking industry. In an effort to further optimise their products, Lantmännen seeks new and more advanced knowledge on the interaction of polysaccharides with water, and the subsequent gelatinisation of starch granules. This effort has kickstarted a series of research projects, which will help Lantmännen tailor their flours to the many needs of their customers.

The key role of polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are an important component in food production as thickeners, stabilisers, and texturisers. During heating, starch granules take up water and swell, resulting in the gelatinisation of granules. A more advanced knowledge of how the structure of polysaccharides rearranges during food preparation can help Lantmännen understand how they can improve their flours and optimise them for the numerous applications in baking.

Detailed, time-dependant structure changes

Wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXSAnalogous to X-ray Powder Diffraction (XPD), it is used for investigating partially ordered materials and providing information about crystallization processes.More info) is particularly sensitive to crystalline structures and provides information on single molecules organisation. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXSSuitable for investigating the structure of partially ordered materials and systems, and characterising structures at various length scales and fast measurement times.More info) allows a wider glimpse into the molecules’ ordering. However, the key advantage of using synchrotron X-rays comes from the speed at which these observations can be carried out. The change in structural organisation of polysaccharides during heating is a dynamic and fast process. Synchrotron light possesses the high photon flux necessary for fast time-resolved, high signal-to-noise ratio measurement necessary to achieve Lantmännen’s goal.

The experiments were performed at the Australian synchrotron Melbourne, in collaboration with RISE. The results showed that the temperature influences the crystallinity of the starch and that gluten and flour type influence the start and kinetics of the starch gelatinization. The positive results have encouraged Lantmännen to fund a subsequent project on swelling. These research efforts increase Lantmännen’s opportunities to create even better flours.