Moderate decrease of pH by sourdough fermentation is sufficient to reduce phytate content of whole wheat flour through endogenous phytase activity

Whole wheat bread is an important source of minerals but also contains considerable amounts of phytic acid, which is known to impair their absorption. An in vitro trial was performed to assess the effect of a moderate drop of the dough pH (around 5.5) by way of sourdough fermentation or by exogenous organic acid addition on phytate hydrolysis. It was shown that a slight acidification of the dough (pH 5.5) with either sourdough or lactic acid addition allowed a significant phytate breakdown (70% of the initial flour content compared to 40% without any leavening agent or acidification). This result highlights the predominance of wheat phytase activity over sourdough microflora phytase activity during moderate sourdough fermentation and shows that a slight drop of the pH (pH value around 5.5) is sufficient to reduce significantly the phytate content of a wholemeal flour. Mg "bioaccessibility"of whole wheat dough was improved by direct solubilization of the cation and by phytate hydrolysis.     

Strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from sour doughs degrade phytic acid and improve calcium and magnesium solubility from whole wheat flour

Five strains of lactic bacteria have been isolated from sour doughs and examined for their ability to degrade phytic acid. In white flour medium in which phytic acid was the only source of phosphorus, the disappearance of phytate and an elevation of inorganic phosphate were observed after only 2 h of incubation in all strains tested (-30 and +60%, respectively). Both phenomena correspond to phytate breakdown. No difference was observed in the levels of phytic acid hydrolysis among strains, suggesting that phytase enzymes are similar among these bacteria. Using whole wheat flour medium naturally rich in phytic acid in the presence of Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain 38, a 9 h fermentation established that the degradation of PA and the production of lactic acid lead to greater Ca and Mg solubility than in control medium.     

Combined effect of sourdough lactic acid bacteria and additives on bread firmness and staling

The effect of various sourdoughs and additives on bread firmness and staling was studied. Compared to the bread produced with Saccharomyces cerevisiae 141, the chemical acidification of dough fermented by S. cerevisiae 141 or the use of sourdoughs increased the volume of the breads. Only sourdough fermentation was effective in delaying starch retrogradation. The effect depended on the level of acidification and on the lactic acid bacteria strain. The effect of sourdough made of S. cerevisiae 141-Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis 57-Lactobacillus plantarum 13 was improved when fungal alpha-amylase or amylolytic strains such as L. amylovorus CNBL1008 or engineered L. sanfranciscensis CB1 Amy were added. When pentosans or pentosans, endoxylanase enzyme, and L. hilgardii S32 were added to the same sourdough, a greater delay of the bread firmness and staling was found. When pentosans were in part hydrolyzed by the endoxylanase enzyme, the bread also had the highest titratable acidity, due to the fermentation of pentoses by L. hilgardii S32. The addition of the bacterial protease to the sourdough increased the bread firmness and staling.     

Application of Polished‐Graded Wheat Grains for Sourdough Bread

Flours obtained by a specific polishing process were used to prepare sourdough and bread. Three fractions designated C‐1 (100–90%), C‐5 (60–50%), and C‐8 (30–0%) were studied. The pH, total titratable acidity levels, and buffering capacity of sourdoughs made from polished flours were significantly different from those of the control sourdough with No. 1 Canada Western Red Spring (CW), and they provided sourdough breads with better qualities than that of CW. The growth of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in polished flour sourdoughs were significantly accelerated during fermentation over that in CW sourdough. Higher maturation of polished flour sourdoughs softened the hardness of mixed dough. The intricate network of honeycomb structure gluten and uneven surface of starch granules were distinctly observed in SEM images. Substitutions of C‐5 or C‐8 sourdoughs for CW significantly increased the loaf volume and softened breadcrumbs more than CW sourdough. Flour qualities of polished flours such as suitable acidity and good buffering capacity caused by the bran fraction were effective for better growth and longer life of yeast in the dough during fermentation. Therefore, application of polished flours in sourdough bread would improve rheological properties of dough and bread as compared with CW sourdough.     

Fermentation Reduces Free Asparagine in Dough and Acrylamide Content in Bread

Free asparagine is an important precursor for acrylamide in cereal products. The content of free asparagine was determined in 11 milling fractions from wheat and rye. Whole grain wheat flour contained 0.5 g/kg and whole grain rye flour 1.1 g/kg. The lowest content was found in sifted wheat flour (0.2 g/kg). Wheat germ had the highest content (4.9 g/kg). Fermentation (baker's yeast or baker's yeast and sourdough) of doughs made with the different milling fractions was performed to investigate whether the content of free asparagine was reduced by this process. In general, most of the asparagine was utilized after 2 hr of fermentation with yeast. Sourdough fermentation, on the other hand, did not reduce the content of free asparagineas efficiently but had a strong negative impact on asparagine utilization by yeast. This indicates that this type of fermentation may result in breads with higher acrylamide content than in breads fermented with yeast only. The effect of fermentation time on acrylamide formation inyeast‐leavened bread was studied in a model system. Doughs (sifted wheat flour with whole grain wheat flour or rye bran) were fermented for a short (15+15 min) or a long time (180+180 min). Compared with short fermentation time, longer fermentation reduced acrylamide content in bread made with whole grain wheat 87%. For breads made with rye bran, the corresponding reduction was 77%. Hence, extensive fermentation with yeast may be one possible way to reduce acrylamide content in bread.     

Effect of Baking Method and Fermentation on Folate Content of Rye and Wheat Breads

The effect of baking method on folates of rye and wheat breads, as well as the effect of sourdough fermentation of rye, were examined. Sourdough fermentations were performed both with and without added yeast, and samples were taken throughout the baking process. Samples were analyzed microbiologically for their total folate content after trienzyme extraction. Individual folate vitamers were determined by HPLC after affinity chromatographic purification. The lowest folate contents for both rye and wheat breads were found from breads baked without added yeast. Total folate content increased considerably during sourdough fermentation due to increased amounts of 10‐HCO‐H₂folate, 5‐CH₃‐H₄folate, and 5‐HCO‐H₄folate. Baker's yeast contributed markedly to the final folate content of bread by synthesizing folates during fermentation. Proofing did not influence total folate content but changes in vitamer distribution were observed. Folate losses in baking were ≈25%. The variety of sourdoughs and baking processes obviously lead to great variation in folate content of rye breads. The possibilities to enhance natural folate content of rye bread by improving folate retention in technological processes and by screening and combining suitable yeasts and lactic acid bacteria should be further investigated.     

Degradation of HMW Glutenins During Wheat Sourdough Fermentations

Bakeries use sourdoughs to improve bread properties such as flavor and shelf life. The degradation of gluten proteins during fermentation may, however, crucially alter the gluten network formation. We observed changes that occurred in the HMW glutenins during wheat sourdough fermentations. As fermentation starters, we used either rye sourdough or pure cultures of lactobacilli and yeast. In addition, we incubated wheat flour (WF) in the presence of antibiotics under different pH conditions. The proteolytic activities of cereal and sourdough‐derived proteinases were studied with edestin and casein. During sourdough fermentations, most of the highly polymerized HMW glutenins degraded. A new area of alcohol‐soluble proteins (≈30.000 MW) appeared as a result of the proteolytic breakdown of gluten proteins. Very similar changes were observable as WF was incubated in the presence of antibiotics at pH 3.7. Cereal and sourdough‐derived proteinases hydrolyzed edestin at pH 3.5 but showed no activity at pH 5.5. An aspartic proteinase inhibitor (pepstatin A) arrested 88–100% of the activities of sourdough enzymes. According to these results, the most active proteinases in wheat sourdoughs were the cereal aspartic proteinases. Acidic conditions present in sourdoughs create an ideal environment for cereal aspartic proteinases to be active against gluten proteins.     

Gluten-free sorghum bread improved by sourdough fermentation: biochemical, rheological, and microstructural background

This study was conducted to improve the quality and theoretical understanding of gluten-free sorghum bread. The addition of 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose improved bread based on 105% water, 70% sorghum flour, and 30% potato starch. Nevertheless, a flat top and tendency toward a hole in the crumb remained. Sourdough fermentation of the total sorghum flour eliminated these problems. Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography demonstrated that during sourdough fermentation, proteins from the dough liquid were degraded to peptides smaller than kafirin monomers (<19 kDa). Laser scanning confocal microscopy showed aggregated protein in bread crumb without sourdough fermentation, whereas with sourdough fermentation, only small isolated patches of protein bodies embedded in matrix protein remained. In oscillatory temperature sweeps, sourdough fermentation caused a significantly higher resistance to deformation (|G*|) after gelatinization of the above batter relative to batters without sourdough. Results suggest that a strong starch gel, without interference of aggregated protein, is desirable for this type of bread.     

乳酸菌发酵豆渣酸面团对馒头面团特性和馒头品质的影响

为促进大豆副产物资源利用,开发新型营养面制品,本试验以豆渣为原料,利用柠檬明串珠菌E12为发酵剂制作豆渣酸面团,探究不同豆渣酸面团添加量(0%、20%、30%和40%)对馒头面团(对应编号分别为S0、S20、S30和S40)发酵活力、动态流变特性、抗氧化特性以及膳食纤维含量的影响,并研究豆渣酸面团馒头(对应编号分别为CS0、CS20、CS30和CS40)的感官品质,以及在贮藏期间馒头质构和水分含量的变化。结果表明,添加豆渣酸面团会降低馒头面团的弹性、黏性和综合黏弹性。馒头面团的抗氧化特性以及膳食纤维含量随着豆渣酸面团添加量的增加而显著增加;当添加量为40%时,S40馒头面团的1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼(DPPH)自由基清除率和2,2-联氮-二(3-乙基-苯并噻唑-6-磺酸)二铵盐(ABTS)自由基清除率分别达到15.61%和79.59%,比S0增加了5.10和15.02个百分点,总膳食纤维含量达到3.91 g·100g^-1,比S0增加了138.79%。豆渣酸面团的添加量为20%时,CS20馒头的比容和延展率与CS0相比无显著差异,但对馒头的外观、色泽、风味和口感产生了积极影响,整体可接受度达到7.8。在贮藏5 d后,CS0的硬度、咀嚼性和胶着性分别增加了180.85%、69.62%和98.08%,而CS40分别增加了76.19%、30.88%和33.96%,与CS0相比增加量显著减小,且在贮藏期间CS40的水分含量始终高于CS0,表明豆渣酸面团有利于减缓馒头的老化。本研究为实现豆渣资源的合理化应用以及新型营养的酸面团产品开发提供了一定的理论基础。     

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Properties of Gluten-Free Sourdoughs,Batters, and Quality and Ultrastructure of Gluten-Free Bread

The objective of this study was to test whether sourdough could improve quality and delay staling of gluten-free (GF) bread. Three strains of lactic acid bacteria used were Lactobacillus plantarum 2115KW, L. plantarum FST 1.11, and L. sanfranciscensis TMW 1.52, and these were subsequently compared with nonacidified control and chemically acidified sourdoughs, batters, and GF breads. Bread characteristics such as pH, total titratable acidity, and crumb hardness (five-day storage) were evaluated. Extrusion (texture analyzer) measurements showed that the sourdoughs became significantly softer during 24 hr of fermentation (P < 0.001). Both LP 2115KW and LP FST 1.11 strains grew better and produced more acid than LS 1.52. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy also revealed a breakdown in the structure of the sourdoughs over time. Crumb hardness increased significantly for all breads (P < 0.05). After five days of storage, two strains yielded significantly softer bread than the nonacidified control (P < 0.05). This was in distinct contrast to the chemically acidified control that at day 5 was significantly firmer than all other breads (P < 0.05). It was concluded that sourdough improves the delay in staling of GF bread, although the positive effects were smaller than those found in wheat bread.     

Fermented Sorghum as a Functional Ingredient in Composite Breads

Whole sorghum flour was fermented (a five‐day natural lactic acid fermentation) and dried under forced draught at 60°C, and evaluated for its effect on sorghum and wheat composite bread quality. In comparison with unfermented sorghum flour, fermentation decreased the flour pH from 6.2 to 3.4, decreased total starch and water‐soluble proteins, and increased enzyme‐susceptible starch, total protein, and the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD). Fermentation and drying did not decrease the pasting temperature of sorghum flour, but slightly increased its peak and final viscosity. In comparison with composite bread dough containing unfermented sorghum flour, fermented and dried sorghum flour decreased the pH of the dough from 5.8 to 4.9, increased bread volume by ≈4%, improved crumb structure, and slightly decreased crumb firmness. IVPD of the composite bread was also improved. Mixing wet fermented sorghum flour directly with wheat flour (sourdough‐type process) further increased loaf volume and weight and reduced crumb firmness, and simplified the breadmaking process. It appears that the low pH of fermented sorghum flour inactivated amylases and increased the viscosity of sorghum flour, thus improving the gas‐holding capacity of sorghum and wheat composite dough. Fermentation of sorghum flour, particularly in a sourdough breadmaking process, appears to have considerable potential for increasing sorghum utilization in bread.     

Influence and Interactions of Processing Conditions and Starter Culture on Formation of Acids,Volatile Compounds,and Amino Acids in Wheat Sourdoughs

The aim of this work was to study the influence of process parameters and the starter culture on the characteristics of wheat sourdough by using response surface methodology. Influence of fermentation temperature (16–32°C), ash content of flour (0.6–1.8%), and fermentation time (6–20 hr) were considered as independent factors and their effects were studied in sourdough fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum, L. brevis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or with a combination of yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Formation of acidity, free amino acids, and volatile compounds were considered the main responses. A possibility to enhance formation of potential flavor compounds and precursors without excessive acidity formation in wheat sourdoughs was established. The total amount of amino acids increased by 25–50%, depending on the strain and fermentation conditions. The total amount of volatile compounds increased seven‐ to 100‐fold, depending on the strain and fermentation conditions. Sourdough started with S. cerevisiae was an effective way to optimize the amount of volatile compounds without excessive acidity formation in appropriate processing conditions. Ash content of flour and fermentation time were the most significant factors to modify metabolic activity of wheat sourdoughs. Frequent interactions between the studied factors were observed on the formation of acidity, amino acids, and volatile compounds with most of the strains studied. Possibility to improve current industrial fermentation processes and control flavor attributes of breads by using optimized sourdough was established.     

Influence of baking conditions and precursor supplementation on the amounts of the antioxidant pronyl-L-lysine in bakery products

The influence of baking conditions and dough supplements on the amounts of the antioxidant and Phase II-Enzyme modulating, protein-bound 2,4-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-1-(5-acetamino-5-methoxycarbonyl-pentyl)-3-oxo-2H-pyrrol (pronyl-L-lysine) in bakery products was investigated in quantitative studies. These studies revealed high amounts of the antioxidant in bread crust, only low amounts in the crumb, and the absence of this compound in untreated flour. The amounts of pronyl-L-lysine were found to be strongly influenced by the intensity of the thermal treatment. For example, increasing the baking time from 70 to 210 min or increasing the baking temperature from 220 to 260 degrees C led to a 5- or 3-fold increase in the concentrations of this antioxidant in the crust, respectively. In addition, modifications in the recipe showed to have a major impact on pronyl-L-lysine formation. For example, substituting 5% of the flour with the lysine-rich protein casein or with 10% of glucose increased the amounts of the antioxidant by more than 200%. Quantitative analyses of commercial bread samples collected from German bakeries revealed the highest amount of 43 mg/kg for a full grain bread, followed by a rye/wheat bread, both of which have been sourdough fermented. A mixed-grain bread as well as pale wheat bread, both prepared without sourdough fermentation, contained significantly lower amounts of pronyl-L-lysine, and German pretzels, which are treated with a dilute sodium hydroxide solution prior to baking, contained only trace amounts of pronyl-L-lysine (e.g., less than 5 mg/kg were detectable in pretzels). Systematic studies revealed that the decrease of the pH value induced by microbial acid formation during sourdough fermentation is the clue for producing high amounts of pronyl-L-lysine in baking products. These data clearly demonstrate for the first time that the amounts of the antioxidant and chemopreventive compound pronyl-L-lysine in bakery products is strongly dependent on the manufacturing conditions as well as the recipe.     

Effect of Formulation and Processing Treatments on Viscosity and Solubility of Extractable Barley β‐Glucan in Bread Dough Evaluated Under In Vitro Conditions

β‐Glucan shows great potential for incorporation into bread due to its cholesterol lowering and blood glucose regulating effects, which are related to its viscosity. The effects of β‐glucan concentration, gluten addition, premixing, yeast addition, fermentation time, and inactivation of the flour enzymes on the viscosity of extractable β‐glucan following incorporation into a white bread dough were studied under physiological conditions, as well as, β‐glucan solubility in fermented and unfermented dough. β‐Glucan was extracted using an in vitro protocol designed to approximate human digestion and hot water extraction. The viscosity of extractable β‐glucan was not affected by gluten addition, the presence of yeast, or premixing. Fermentation produced lower (P ≤ 0.05) extract viscosity for the doughs with added β‐glucan, while inactivating the flour enzymes and increasing β‐glucan concentration in the absence of fermentation increased (P ≤ 0.05) viscosity. The physiological solubility of the β‐glucan concentrate (18.1%) and the β‐glucan in the unfermented dough (20.5%) were similar (P > 0.05), while fermentation substantially decreased (P ≤ 0.05) solubility to 8.7%, indicating that the reduction in viscosity due to fermentation may be highly dependent on solubility in addition to β‐glucan degradation. The results emphasize the importance of analyzing β‐glucan fortified foods under physiological conditions to identify the conditions in the dough system that decrease β‐glucan viscosity so that products with maximum functionality can be developed.     

Effect of Glutamate Accumulation During Sourdough Fermentation with Lactobacillus reuteri on the Taste of Bread and Sodium‐Reduced Bread

NaCl is an important contributor to the taste and texture of bread; therefore, it is challenging to reduce NaCl in bread without compromising quality. This study investigated sensory properties of bread with sourdough fermented with Lactobacillus reuteri accumulating glutamate or γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA). Sourdough was fermented with the GABA‐producing L. reuteri 100‐23 and LTH5448 as well as the glutamate‐accumulating L. reuteri 100‐23ΔgadB and TMW1.106. A consumer panel detected significant differences in the taste of bread with 6% addition of sourdough fermented with glutamate‐ or GABA‐producing L. reuteri. Remarkably, this difference was also detected when GABA‐producing L. reuteri 100‐23 was compared with its glutamate‐producing isogenic mutant L. reuteri 100‐23ΔgadB. The intensity of the salty taste of sourdough bread produced with 1% (flour basis) salt was equivalent to the intensity of the salty taste of reference bread produced with 1.5% salt. A trained panel found that sourdough breads (1 or 2% NaCl flour base) had a higher sour and umami taste intensity when compared with reference bread with the same salt content. Bread produced with sourdough fermented with L. reuteri 100‐23ΔgadB consistently had a higher umami taste intensity when compared with other sourdough breads. Neither sourdough addition nor NaCl level influenced bread volume or texture. In conclusion, the use of sourdough fermented with glutamate‐accumulating lactobacilli allowed reduction of NaCl without adverse effects on the taste or other quality attributes of bread.     

Effects of Bran Fermentation on Quality and Microstructure of High‐Fiber Wheat Bread

We compared the effects of spontaneous fermentation of the bran fraction and fermentation with added yeast or added yeast and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis) on the quality of wheat bread supplemented with bran. Prefermentation of wheat bran with yeast or with yeast and lactic acid bacteria improved the loaf volume, crumb structure, and shelf life of bread supplemented with bran. The bread also had added flavor and good and homogenous crumb structure. Elasticity of the crumb was excellent. Spontaneous fermentation of the bran fraction did not have the same positive effects on bread quality. The microstructure of the breads was characterized by light microscopy. The positive effect of fermentation of bran on bread quality was evident when comparing the well‐developed protein network structure of the breads baked with fermented bran with the control bread. Prefermentation of the bran with yeast and lactic acid bacteria had the greatest effect on the structure of starch. The starch granules were more swollen and gelatinized in the breads made with prefermented bran. The pretreatments of the bran fraction had no detectable effect on the microstructure of the cell wall particles in the test breads.     

Enhancement of Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Brown Rice Flour Through Solid‐State Yeast Fermentation

This study investigated the effect of solid‐state yeast fermentation on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of brown rice flour (BRF). Three brands of commercial baker's yeast (Eagle, Saf‐levure, and Mauripan) were used to ferment BRF at 25°C for 12 h. There were significant increases in protein, ash, insoluble and soluble fiber, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and iron contents after yeast fermentation. Fermented BRF with Eagle yeast possessed the highest contents of protein, ash, zinc, and calcium. Fermentation of BRF with Eagle yeast was more effective in increasing antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents from 1.01 to 1.54 mmol of Trolox equivalents per gram and from 1.09 to 1.21 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram, respectively. Yeast fermentation reduced phytic acid content of BRF (124.59 ± 0.48 µg/g), and the Eagle yeast‐fermented sample had the lowest value (36.55 µg/g) compared with the other fermented samples. Fermented flour with Eagle yeast also had the highest α‐amylase activity, because it recorded the lowest stirring number. Solid‐state fermentation with commercial yeast, particularly Eagle yeast, was effective in improving the nutritional and antioxidant properties of underutilized BRF as a food ingredient.     

The importance of lactic acid bacteria for phytate degradation during cereal dough fermentation

Lactic acid fermentation of cereal flours resulted in a 100 (rye), 95-100 (wheat), and 39-47% (oat) reduction in phytate content within 24 h. The extent of phytate degradation was shown to be independent from the lactic acid bacteria strain used for fermentation. However, phytate degradation during cereal dough fermentation was positively correlated with endogenous plant phytase activity (rye, 6750 mU g(-1); wheat, 2930 mU g(-1); and oat, 23 mU g(-1)), and heat inactivation of the endogenous cereal phytases prior to lactic acid fermentation resulted in a complete loss of phytate degradation. Phytate degradation was restored after addition of a purified phytase to the liquid dough. Incubation of the cereal flours in buffered solutions resulted in a pH-dependent phytate degradation. The optimum of phytate degradation was shown to be around pH 5.5. Studies on phytase production of 50 lactic acid bacteria strains, previously isolated from sourdoughs, did not result in a significant production of intra- as well as extracellular phytase activity. Therefore, lactic acid bacteria do not participate directly in phytate degradation but provide favorable conditions for the endogenous cereal phytase activity by lowering the pH value.     

Changes in Phytate Content in Whole Meal Wheat Dough and Bread Fermented with Phytase‐Active Yeasts

The degradation of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) was evaluated in whole meal wheat dough fermented with baker's yeast without phytase activity, different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (L1.12 or L6.06), or Pichia kudriavzevii with extracellular phytase activity to see if the degradation of IP6 in whole meal dough and the corresponding bread could be increased by fermentation with phytase‐active yeasts. The IP6 degradation was measured after the dough was mixed for 19 min, after the completion of fermentation, and in bread after baking. Around 60–70% of the initial value of IP6 in the flour (10.02 mg/g) was reduced in the dough already after mixing, and additionally 10–20% was reduced after fermentation. The highest degradation of IP6 was seen in dough fermented with the phytase‐active yeast strains S. cerevisiae L1.12 and P. kudriavzevii L3.04. Activity of wheat phytase in whole meal wheat dough seems to be the primary source of phytate degradation, and the degradation is considerably higher in this study with a mixing time of 19 min compared with earlier studies. The additional degradation of IP6 by phytase‐active yeasts was not related to their extracellular phytase activities, suggesting that phytases from the yeasts are inhibited differently. Therefore, the highest degradation of IP6 and expected highest mineral bioavailability in whole meal wheat bread can be achieved by use of a phytase‐active yeast strain with less inhibition. The strain S. cerevisiae L1.12 is suitable for this because it was the most effective yeast strain in reducing the amount of IP6 in dough during a short fermentation time.     

Biotechnological production of vitamin B2-enriched bread and pasta

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were obtained from durum wheat flour samples and screened for roseoflavin-resistant variants to isolate natural riboflavin-overproducing strains. Two riboflavin-overproducing strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated as described above were used for the preparation of bread (by means of sourdough fermentation) and pasta (using a prefermentation step) to enhance their vitamin B2 content. Pasta was produced from a monovarietal semolina obtained from the durum wheat cultivar PR22D89 and, for experimental purposes, from a commercial remilled semolina. Several samples were collected during the pasta-making process (dough, extruded, dried, and cooked pasta) and tested for their riboflavin content by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. The applied approaches resulted in a considerable increase of vitamin B2 content (about 2- and 3-fold increases in pasta and bread, respectively), thus representing a convenient and efficient food-grade biotechnological application for the production of vitamin B2-enriched bread and pasta. This methodology may be extended to a wide range of cereal-based foods, feed, and beverages. Additionally, this work exemplifies the production of a functional food by a novel biotechnological exploitation of LAB in pasta-making.