Inhibitory effects of sorbitol on the collapse and deterioration of gluten network in fresh noodles during storage

Abstract In this paper, the inhibitory effects of sorbitol on the collapse of gluten network and textural deterioration of fresh noodles during storage were investigated, based on the changes in macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of gluten protein. Appropriate addition (≤2%) of sorbitol increased dough viscoelasticity and extension energy. Sorbitol significantly inhibited the increase of cooking loss and adhesiveness of fresh noodles, and the decrease of hardness, springiness, LA-SRC value, and GMP weight during storage. SEM images showed that sorbitol retarded the deterioration of gluten network, with maintained continuous and ordered structure after 48 h. Sorbitol enhanced the hydrogen bond interactions in gluten system and promoted dynamic depolymerization and repolymerization of gluten protein molecules during processing and cooking, this may induce the texture stability. Sorbitol as a low-molecular polyol can inhibit the deterioration in gluten network and fresh noodle texture during storage, although showing no influence on the growth of microorganisms.