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Physicochemical, microbiological, and microstructural changes in germinated wheat grain

Summary

When wheat grains sprout due to moisture and humidity during harvest, they lose quality and economic value. This study examined what happens to sprouted wheat grain under different moisture, temperature, and time conditions. The researchers found optimal conditions to maximize desirable components like starch and protein while minimizing harmful microbial contamination. The findings show that sprouted wheat can potentially be converted into useful industrial products, turning a harvest problem into an opportunity.

Background

Pre-harvest sprouting in soft wheat causes severe grain quality deterioration and significant economic losses globally, with up to 40% of wheat in Kazakhstan classified as non-standard in 2023. Understanding germination-induced changes in wheat grain could provide insights into potential utilization strategies for sprouted grain.

Objective

To investigate the physicochemical, microbiological, and microstructural changes in soft wheat grain during germination under varying moisture, temperature, and time conditions. The study aims to identify optimal germination parameters for potential food and industrial applications.

Results

Physical parameters showed strong correlation with germination time: thousand-kernel weight decreased 8.2%, test weight decreased 22%, and falling number decreased 74%. Optimal germination conditions were identified: starch content maximized at 22% moisture, 31°C, 84 hours; protein content at 21% moisture, 30°C, 72 hours; minimal microbial contamination at 14% moisture, 33°C, 8 hours. Microstructural analysis revealed progressive degradation of starch granule morphology and transformation of dense endosperm into porous structures.

Conclusion

Soft wheat undergoes significant physical, chemical, and microstructural changes during germination. Optimized germination parameters can be exploited to produce value-added products from germinated wheat grain, offering a sustainable solution for utilizing sprouted grain exposed to unfavorable harvest conditions. Germination-induced starch modification presents a sustainable alternative to chemical modification for industrial applications.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0331620
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