Preparation of High‐Quality Protein‐Based Extruded Pellets Expanded by Microwave Oven

The aim of this work was to study the effects of extrusion barrel temperature (75–140°C) and feed moisture (16–30%) on the production of third‐generation snacks expanded by microwave heating. A blend of potato starch (50%), quality protein maize (QPM) (35%), and soybean meal (SM) (15%) was used in the preparation of the snacks. A laboratory single extruder with a 1.5 × 20.0 × 100 mm die‐nozzle and a central composite routable experimental design were used. Expansion index (EI) and bulk density (BD) were measured in expanded pellets, viscosity at 83°C (V₈₃), thermal properties, and relative crystallinity were measured in extruded pellets. EI increased and BD decreased when the barrel temperature was increased, while the feed moisture effect was not significant. V₈₃ increased when feed moisture increased. Extrusion modified the crystalline structures of the pellets and the X‐ray data suggests the formation of new structures, probably due to the development of amylose‐lipid complexes. The maximum expansion of pellets was found at barrel temperatures of 123–140°C, and feed moisture of 24.5–30%. It is possible to obtain a functional third‐generation snack with good expansion characteristics using a microwave oven, and this snack has health benefits due to the addition of QPM and SM.     

Effect of Extrusion Conditions on Pasting Behavior and Microstructure of Refabricated Rice: A Response Surface Analysis

The effects of moisture, screw speed, and barrel temperature on pasting behavior of refabricated rice grains were investigated in a corotating twin‐screw extruder with response surface methodology. The rice flour obtained from broken rice (≤1/8 of actual kernel size) of PR‐116 variety was used in the study. The screw speed was set at five levels between 49 and 150 rpm, barrel temperature between 59 and 110°C, and feed moisture between 31 and 45%. All pasting properties of refabricated grains evaluated—peak viscosity, hold viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, and setback viscosity—were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by the three process variables. Barrel temperature was the most significant variable, with quadratic effect on all viscosity parameters. Response surface regression models were established to correlate the viscosity profile of refabricated rice grains to the process variables. The optimum moisture content, screw speed, and barrel temperature estimated by a response surface of desirability function for the production of refabricated rice were 36%, 130 rpm, and 89.5°C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that intermediate moisture and temperature along with high screw speed during extrusion could create a more realistic appearance of refabricated rice with less rupture of starch granules.     

Effects of Calcium Hydroxide and Processing Conditions on Corn Meal Extrudates

The effects of added calcium hydroxide (0.0, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35%) and processing conditions, feed moisture content (mc) (16, 18, and 20%) and barrel temperature (130 and 150°C) on characteristics of corn meal extrudates were studied. Extruder screw speed was maintained at 130 rpm. Corn meal was extruded with a single-screw extruder (Brabender model GNF 1014/2) with a screw compression ratio of 3:1. The highest values (P < 0.05) for radial expansion and the lowest values for density and breaking force of extrudates were found for the treatment with 0.00% calcium hydroxide extruded at 16% feed mc and 130°C barrel temperature. This treatment was statistically different from the other treatments. Best values for radial expansion of samples extruded with added calcium hydroxide were for the samples with 0.15% calcium hydroxide at 18% feed mc and 130°C barrel temperature, followed by the sample with 0.35% calcium hydroxide at 16% feed mc and 130°C barrel temperature. Water absorption index and water solubility index were affected by calcium hydroxide and extrusion conditions evaluated. Extrudates had large numbers of flattened and sheared granules. Increases in calcium hydroxide increased extrudate yellowness. The combined action of calcium hydroxide and extrusion conditions completely modified the organized structure of the starch and suggest the formation of a starch-calcium complex (crystalline region). The texture of the extruded products was crispy after puffing.     

Extrusion of Regular and Waxy Barley Flours for Production of Expanded Cereals

Grains of two regular and two waxy barley cultivars were milled into break and reduction stream flours using a wheat milling mill, granulated to facilitate feeding and flow through the barrel, and extruded to form expanded products using a modified laboratory single‐screw extruder. As moisture content of barley granules decreased from 21 to 17%, the expansion index of extrudates increased from 1.81 to 2.68, while apparent modulus of compression work (AMCW) decreased from 17.1 × 10⁴ to 7.8 × 10⁴ N/m². Break stream flours of both regular and waxy barley produced extrudates with higher expansion index (2.72–3.02), higher water absorption index (WAI), and lower AMCW than extrudates from reduction stream flours. Extrudates produced from regular barley had generally higher expansion and lower density than those produced from waxy barley. The specific mechanical energy (SME) was greater during extrusion of regular than of waxy barley. Barrel temperatures of 130, 150, and 170°C for the feeding, compression, and metering sections, respectively, resulted in higher SME, higher expansion index, lower water absorption index and lower AMCW of extrudates compared with a constant extruder barrel temperature of 160°C. Increased screw speed generally resulted in larger expansion index and increased WAI of extrudates. With increased feed rate from 89 to 96 g/min, the expansion index of extrudates decreased from 3.20 to 2.78 in regular barley and 3.23 to 2.72 in waxy barley, and harder extrudates were produced.     

SME‐Arrhenius Model for WSI of Rice Flour in a Twin‐Screw Extruder

We have modeled a rice extrusion process focusing specifically on the starch gelatinization and water solubility index (WSI) as a function of extrusion system and process parameters. Using a twin‐screw extruder, we examined in detail the effect of screw speed (350–580 rpm), barrel temperature, different screw configurations, and moisture content of rice flour on both extrusion system parameters (product temperature, specific mechanical energy [SME], and residence time distribution [RTD]) and extrudate characteristics (expansion, density, WSI, and water absorption index [WAI]). Changes in WSI were monitored to reveal a relationship between the reaction kinetics during extrusion and WSI. Reaction kinetics models were developed to predict WSI during extrusion. WSI followed a pseudo first‐order reaction kinetics model. It became apparent that the rate constant is a function of both temperature and SME. We have developed an adaptation of the kinetic model based on the Arrhenius equation that shows better correlations with SME and distinguishes data from different screw configurations. This adaptation of the model improved predictability of WSI, thereby linking the extrusion conditions with the extruded product properties.     

Small‐Scale Extrusion of Corn Masa By‐Products

Corn masa by‐product streams are high in fiber and are amenable for utilization in livestock feed rations. This approach is a potentially viable alternative to landfilling, the traditional disposal method for these processing residues. Suspended solids were separated from a masa processing waste stream, blended with soybean meal at four levels (0, 10, 20, and 30% wb), and extruded in a laboratory‐scale extruder at speeds of 50 rpm (5.24 rad/sec) and 100 rpm (10.47 rad/sec) with temperature profiles of 80‐90‐100°C and 100‐110‐120°C. Processing conditions, including dough and die temperatures, drive torque, specific mechanical energy consumption, product and feed material throughput rates, dough apparent viscosity, and dough density, were monitored during extrusion. The resulting products were subjected to physical and nutritional characterization to determine the effects of processing conditions for these blends. Extrudate analysis included moisture content, water activity, crude protein, in vitro protein digestibility, crude fat, ash, product diameter, expansion ratios, unit and true density, color, water absorption and solubility, and durability. All blends were suitable for extrusion at the processing conditions used. Blend ratio had little effect on either processing parameters or extrudate properties; extrusion temperature and screw speed, on the other hand, significantly affected both processing and product properties.     

Extrusion of Cross‐Linked Hydroxypropylated Corn Starches I. Pasting Properties

A series of cross‐linked (0, 0.014, 0.018, 0.024, and 0.028% POCl₃, dry starch basis) hydroxypropylated (8%) corn starches were extruded using a Leistritz micro‐18 co‐rotating extruder. Process variables included moisture, barrel temperature, and screw design. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction studies showed the level of starch crystallinity decreased with increasing severity of extrusion conditions. Pasting properties of the extruded starches were examined using a Rapid Visco Analyser. Pasting profiles of starches extruded at different conditions displayed different hot paste viscosity and final viscosity. Increasing starch moisture content during extrusion and level of cross‐linking increased starch viscosity (P < 0.0001), whereas increasing extrusion temperature and shear decreased starch viscosity (P < 0.0001). Interactions were found between level of cross‐linking and screw design and between extrusion temperature and starch moisture content (P < 0.0001).     

Experimental Determination of Longitudinal Expansion During Extrusion of Starches

Expansion during extrusion of starches is a unique phenomenon used extensively in the food industry. Sectional expansion index is usually determined as the ratio of the square of the diameter of the final extrudate to the square of diameter of the die through which the product is expelled. Longitudinal expansion index is calculated indirectly by doing a mass balance across the extruder and making an assumption for density of the dough melt in the die. The objective of this research was to determine the longitudinal expansion index experimentally using a die designed to measure the velocity of the melt dough inside the die. A tracer was induced to change the conductivity of the melt dough. The velocity inside the die was then determined by measuring the time of travel of a tracer with the help of electrical probes. Corn starch (25% amylose and 30% moisture content) was extruded in a twin-screw extruder at a barrel temperature of 140°C, screw speeds of 80, 120, and 160 rpm, and feed rates corresponding to the screw speeds varying from 7.35 to 13. 35 kg/hr. An inverse relationship was observed between the longitudinal expansion and the sectional expansion indices.     

Effects of Extrusion Variables and Chemicals on the Properties of Starch-Based Binders and Processing Conditions

The effects of extrusion variables (moisture, screw speed, and temperature) and chemicals (urea and sodium bicarbonate) on the properties of starch-based binders (water absorption, bulk density, binder yield, expansion ratio, solubility, pH) and processing conditions (die temperature and pressure, feed rate, and specific mechanical energy) were studied using a central composite design. All quadratic regression models, except the models for bulk density and pH, were significant at the P ≤ 0.06 level. These models can predict the binder properties and processing conditions when extrusion variables and the chemical concentrations are known. Optimum combinations of the chemical concentrations (g/100 g of starch) and extrusion variables to achieve high water absorption in the binders were 15–20 g of urea /100 g of starch, 0–4 g of sodium bicarbonate/100 g of starch, 35–40 g of moisture/100 g of starch, 100–120 rpm screw speed, and 185–215°C barrel temperature. The molecular degradation of the starch occurred during extrusion, especially when the moisture content of starch was <30 g/100 g of starch.     

Effects of Feed Rate and Screw Speed on Operating Characteristics and Extrudate Properties During Single-Screw Extrusion Cooking of Rice Flour

Rice flour (37% moisture content) was used to examine the effects of feed rate and screw speed on the specific energy input during single-screw extrusion cooking. Torque, raised by decreasing screw speed or increasing feed rate, was found to be a power law function of the ratio of feed rate to screw speed (F_r/S_s) with r² > 0.94. Specific mechanical energy (SME) calculated from torque also was a power law function of F_r/S_s with r² >0.84 and negative power law indices. The SME obtained was in the 225–481 kJ/kg range. Thus the extruder can be considered low shear. Increasing SME raised the die temperature and decreased both intrinsic viscosity and water absorption index (WAI). The degree of gelatinization and intrinsic viscosity of extrudates also were power law functions of F_r/S_s. The intrinsic viscosity correlated well with the degree of gelatinization, WAI, and cooking loss, and appeared to be a good index of the extrudate properties. Different screw profiles also affect torque measurement.     

Extrusion Chemistry of Wheat Flour Proteins: II. Sulfhydryl-Disulfide Content and Protein Structural Changes

Effects of twin-screw extrusion conditions on wheat flour proteins were studied, using a two-level fractional factorial experimental design (11 and 14% protein content, 160 and 185°C, 16 and 20% moisture, 300 and 500 rpm screw speed, mass flow rate of 225 and 400 g/min). Total protein detectable by solid-phase bicinchoninic acid assay decreased slightly after extrusion, with greatest protein loss at 16% moisture and 160°C. Sulfhydryl content of both flours increased after extrusion at 185°C and 16% moisture with moderate specific mechanical energy (SME ≈ 400–600 kJ/kg) or 160°C and 16% moisture with high SME (SME > 1,000 kJ/kg). Disulfide bonds increased under comparable conditions but with moderate shear (SME = 510–540 kJ/kg). At 20% moisture and either temperature, sulfhydryl and total thiol contents decreased without corresponding increases in disulfides. Reversed-phase HPLC indicated gliadins were the fractions most affected by extrusion; high molecular weight glutenin subunits also were affected. Changes in gliadins were extensive at 185°C and 16% moisture and were minimal at 160°C and 20% moisture. SDS-PAGE confirmed the disappearance of protein bands and appearance of new material at low and high molecular weights, presumably resulting from polypeptide fragmentation followed by random radical recombination. Both protein fragmentation and cross-linking appeared to involve free radicals.     

Effect of Extruding Wheat Flour at Lower Temperatures on Physical Attributes of Extrudates and on Thiamin Loss When Using Carbon Dioxide Gas as a Puffing Agent

Wheat flour with 0.3% (w/w) thiamin was extruded on a twin‐screw laboratory‐scale extruder (19‐mm barrel) at lower temperatures and expanded using carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas at 150 psi. Extrusion conditions were die temperature of 80°C and screw speed range of 300–400 rpm. Control samples were extruded at a die temperature of 150°C and screw speed range of 200–300 rpm. Dough moisture content was 22% in control samples and 22 and 25% in CO₂ samples. Expansion ratio, bulk density, WAI, and %WSI were compared between control and treatment. CO₂ injection did not significantly increase expansion ratio. Bulk densities in the CO₂ extruded samples decreased when feed moisture decreased from 25 to 22%. The products using CO₂ had lower WAI values than products puffed without CO₂ at higher temperatures. The mean residence time was longer in CO₂ screw configurations than in conventional screw configurations. Thiamin losses were 10–16% in the control samples. With CO₂, thiamin losses were 3–11% at 22% feed moisture, compared with losses of 24–34% at 25% moisture. Unlike typical high‐temperature extrusion, thiamin loss in the low‐temperature samples decreased with increasing screw speed. Results indicate that thiamin loss at lower extrusion temperatures with CO₂ injection is highly dependent on moisture content.     

Effects of Processing Parameters on Physical Properties of Corn Starch Extrudates Expanded Using Supercritical CO2 Injection

Corn starch was extruded with a corotating twin-screw extruder (24:1 L/D ratio, 31-mm screw diameter) and supercritical CO₂ was injected as a blowing agent. The effects of barrel temperature (80–90°C), screw speed (150–250 rpm), and water injection (30–54 g/min) on specific mechanical energy (SME) input for the process and the physical properties of extrudates, such as expansion ratio, water absorption (WA), water solubility (WS), breaking stress, and elastic modulus, were examined using a response surface methodology. Barrel temperature had the greatest effect on physical properties of extrudates but not on SME input, whereas screw speed and water injection had significant effects on SME input. Extrudates had a smooth surface, and air cells were uniform and closed, providing low WA and WS. Using superimposed contour plots, optimum barrel temperature, screw speed, and water injection rate, based on maximum expansion ratio and minimum SME input, were 94–96°C, 155–175 rpm, and 36–39 g/min, respectively.     

挤压加工参数对重组米生产过程及产品膨胀度的影响

为了考察重组米生产过程中挤压加工变量对几种系统参数与产品膨胀度的影响,试验以杂交籼米（9?718品种）为原料,利用响应面模型,以螺杆转速、进料速度、进料含水率以及末端机筒温度为输入变量,以挤压系统参数（物料温度、模头压强、扭矩、比机械能和产品含水率）和重组米膨胀度为响应变量,探索在重组米生产过程中加工变量与系统参数及产品膨胀度的关系。结果表明,压强、比机械能和产品膨胀度都受到4个挤压变量的显著影响,但是物料温度受进料速度影响不显著,马达扭矩受末端机筒温度影响不显著,产品含水率仅受进料含水率的显著影响。比机械能与螺杆转速正相关,与进料速度、进料含水率和末端机筒温度负相关。所得二次回归模型均拟合良好,建立的挤压数学模型可应用于重组米生产,为重组米工业化生产的过程预测和产品性质预测提供参考。     

Effect of Particle Size and Moisture Content on Viscosity of Fish Feed

A model was developed for the influence of particle size on the extrusion of a fish feed and the physical characteristics of the extrudates evaluated. The study was conducted using factorial experiments in a fractional replication design for four variables with three levels, and one‐third of the replicates (3⁴ factorial in 27 units) were examined in a laboratory extruder. The torque‐screw speed measurement was used to develop a viscosity model equation that considered different shear rates, product temperature, initial moisture content, and particle size. When particle size decreased, the apparent viscosity became smaller. The barrel pressure was important in producing extrudate with a uniform volume over the range of processing conditions tested because it had a strong correlation with the volumetric expansion. The material with lower moisture and larger particles caused the specific mechanical energy to increase. The viscosity model developed in this study can be applied to the development of large‐scale extrusion models that determine the effect of particle size on the feed material extrudates.     

Extrusion of Cross‐Linked Hydroxypropylated Corn Starches II. Morphological and Molecular Characterization

A series of cross‐linked hydroxypropylated corn starches were extruded with a Leistritz micro‐18 co‐rotating extruder. Extrusion process variables including moisture (30, 35, and 40%), barrel temperature (60, 80, and 100°C), and screw design (low, medium, and high shear) were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of extruded starches showed a gel phase with distorted granules and granule fragments after extrusion at 60°C. After extrusion at 100°C only a gel phase was observed with no granular structures remaining. High performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) equipped with multiangle laser light‐scattering (MALLS) and refractive index (RI) detectors showed extruded starches degraded to different extents, depending on extrusion conditions. The average molecular weight of the amylopectin of unextruded native corn starch was 7.7 × 10⁸. Extrusion at 30% moisture, 100°C, and high shear reduced the molecular weight of amylopectin to 1.0 × 10⁸. Hydroxypropylated normal corn starch extruded at identical conditions showed greater decreases in amylopectin molecular weight. With the addition of cross‐linking, the amylopectin fractions of the extruded starches were less degraded than those of their native and hydroxypropylated corn starch counterparts. Similarly, increasing moisture content during extrusion lowered amylopectin degradation in the extruded starches. Increasing temperature during extrusion of cross‐linked hydroxypropylated starches at high moisture content (e.g., 40%) lowered amylopectin molecular weights of the extruded starches, whereas increasing extrusion temperature at low moisture content (30%) resulted in less degraded molecules. This difference was attributed to the higher glass transition temperatures of the cross‐linked starches.     

Development and Characterization of Extruded Pellets of Whole Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Flour Expanded by Microwave Heating

In various Latin American countries, large volumes of potato are classified as unsuitable for use as food and destined for use as feed. This raw material has a high starch and fiber content that could be used in the production of different kinds of food. The objective of this research was the preparation and characterization of extruded whole potato pellets expanded by microwave heating. A 3³ central composite routable experimental design and response surface methodology were used. The barrel temperature (BT, 93–127°C), feed moisture (FM, 19–29%), and corn starch concentration (CS, 3–37%) in the blends were evaluated. CS was the most important variable affecting the functional properties of the expanded pellets. Adding CS to the blends increased the expansion index and viscosity and improved luminosity, decreasing the apparent density and breaking force of the products. Low BT and especially high FM increased the luminosity of the expanded pellets. Increasing FM content increased the viscosity of the expanded pellets. The best functional characteristics for the expanded pellets were obtained using a blend of 63% potato flour and 37% CS, extruded at 110°C BT with 24% FM content. Nonfood-grade whole potato flour showed good potential for use in the production of expanded pellets with acceptable functional properties.     

Effect of Barley Flour on Development of Rice‐Based Extruded Snacks

This study was conducted to develop a ready‐to‐eat extruded food using a single‐screw laboratory extruder. Blends of Indian barley and rice were used as the ingredients for extrusion. The effect of extrusion variables and barley‐to‐rice ratio on properties like expansion ratio, bulk density, water absorption index, hardness, β‐glucan, L*, a*, b* values, and pasting characteristics of extruded products were studied. A central composite rotatable design was used to evaluate the effects of operating variables: die temperature (150–200°C), initial feed moisture content (20–40%), screw speed (90–110 rpm), and barley flour (10–30%) on properties like expansion ratio, bulk density, water absorption index (WAI), hardness, β‐glucan, L*, a*, b* values, and sensory and pasting characteristics of extruded products. Die temperature >175°C and feed moisture <30% resulted in a steep increase in expansion ratio and a decrease in bulk density. Barley flour content of 10% and feed moisture content of <20% resulted in an increased hardness value. When barley flour content was 30–40% and feed moisture content was <20%, a steep increase in the WAI was noticed. Viscosity values of extruded products were far less than those of corresponding unprocessed counterparts as evaluated. Rapid visco analysis indicated that the extruded blend starches were partially pregelatinized as a result of the extrusion process. Sensory scores indicated that barley flour content at 20%, feed moisture content at 30%, and die temperature at 175°C resulted in an acceptable product. The prepared product was roasted in oil using a particular spice mix and its sensory and nutritional properties were studied.     

Characterization and Optimization of Extrusion Cooking for the Manufacture of Third‐Generation Snacks with Winter Squash (Cucurbita moschata D.) Flour

The aim of this work was to study the effects of barrel temperature (BT, 93.5–140.5°C), feed moisture (FM, 21.3–34.7%), and winter squash flour content (SFC, 0.43–15.6%) on physicochemical properties of microwave‐expanded third‐generation snack foods obtained by extrusion. Physicochemical properties used for optimization were expansion index (EI), penetration force (PF), specific mechanical energy (SME), and total color difference (ΔE). Response surface methodology was used for the analysis of data. The highest values of EI and lowest values of PF were found at high BT and low FM. The lowest values of SME were obtained at high levels of FM throughout the range of BT and SFC, whereas the highest values of ΔE were obtained at high SFC and low FM. Increasing levels of SFC increased ΔE values, whereas EI and SME values decreased. The best processing conditions (EI > 6.0, PF < 9.5 N, SME < 172 kJ/kg, and ΔE < 18) were found in the range of BT, 122–141°C; FM, 24.7–29.5%; and SFC, 0–10.9%. Under optimal process conditions, the retention of total carotenoids was higher than 60%. It is possible to manufacture third‐generation snack foods with good physicochemical properties, which could bring a health benefit because of the presence of carotenoids and dietary fiber in winter squash flour.     

Empirical Modeling of Mean Residence Time in a Co‐Rotating Twin‐Screw Extruder with Rice Flour

Mean residence time of rice flour in a twin‐screw extruder was determined using a blue tracer. Variables studied included moisture content, screw speed, barrel temperature, and screw configuration. Mean residence time increased with the increase of the barrel temperature and with the addition of reverse and kneading elements. Mean residence time was significantly related to screw speed, moisture content, die pressure, and screw configuration (P < 0.05). An empirical model was developed to predict mean residence time with the ability to reflect the changes of the barrel temperature and screw configuration. The effects of different extrusion operating conditions including screw speed, moisture content, barrel temperature, and screw geometry on the mean residence time were considered in the model. The validity of the developed model was extensively evaluated and verified using different screw geometries and other processing variables. The mean residence times predicted by the developed model are in good agreement with the experimental data.