Comparison of the impact of dextran and reuteran on the quality of wheat sourdough bread

This study investigates the influence of in situ exopolysaccharides (EPS) and organic acids on dough rheology and wheat bread quality. Dextran forming Weissella cibaria MG1 was compared to reuteran forming Lactobacillus reuteri VIP. For in situ production of EPS, sourdoughs were supplemented with 15% sucrose. Control sourdoughs were prepared with the same strain but without sucrose. W. cibaria MG1 and L. reuteri VIP formed 5.1 and 5.8 g kg⁻¹ dextran and reuteran, respectively. Formation of EPS from sucrose led to production of high amounts of acetate by L. reuteri VIP, but only small amounts were detected in W. cibaria MG1 sourdough. EPS containing sourdough or control sourdough was incorporated at 10% and 20% in wheat dough. EPS significantly influenced the rheological properties of the dough, with dextran exhibiting the strongest impact. The addition of dextran enriched W. cibaria MG1 sourdough significantly increased CO₂ production, whereas increased acidity in reuteran containing dough reduced gas production. The quality of wheat bread was enhanced when 10% of L. reuteri-sucrose sourdough was added. The positive effect of reuteran was masked by increased acidification after 20% sourdough addition. Incorporation of dextran enriched sourdough (10% and 20%) provided mildly acidic wheat bread with improved bread quality.