Improved physicochemical and structural properties of wheat gluten with konjac glucomannan

Konjac glucomannan (KGM), a dietary fiber, can be used to improve the quality of flour products. In this study, the effects of KGM at different concentrations on the water distribution, morphological, textural, thermal, and structural properties of wheat gluten were studied. KGM improved the physicochemical and structural properties of wheat gluten by changing the water holding capacity, secondary structure, and free sulfhydryl and disulfide bond contents. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that KGM can evenly fill the network structure, affecting gluten network development. KGM exhibited no effect on moisture content; however, KGM decreased water mobility in wheat gluten. The increased thermal denaturation temperature indicates that KGM can improve the thermal stability of wheat gluten. Sharp changes in texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters were observed around 5% KGM, and elasticity and cohesiveness were optimal after the addition of 4% KGM. In addition, the secondary structure analysis indicated that α-helix and β-sheet structures increased. The addition of 5% KGM increased the content of disulfide bonds by 2.57-fold. Overall, the changes in gluten structure and properties suggest that wheat gluten could be improved the stability, functionality and water holding capacity of gluten by adding KGM.