Sharma, SavitaArashdeep Singh2017-09-292017-09-292017http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810031973The present investigation was undertaken to study the biological activation of grains (Brown rice (PR 123), Sorghum (SL 44), Wheat (HD 2967), Pigeon pea (AL 201) and Barley (PL 426))for their characterization, functionality and utilization. Grains after steeping were subjected to biological activation for 12, 24, 36 and 48 h at 25, 30 and 35 oC. Steeping increased the moisture results in better germination capacity of grains. Physical characteristics as well as crude protein, fat, ash and fibre content of the grains of the grain were inversely affected by activation conditions. Biological activation increased the diastase enzyme activity and also activates the hydrolytic enzymes that act on starch and reducing its concentration and resulting in more sugars. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in the bulk density, water absorption capacity and swelling power of flour prepared from activated grains was observed due to enzymatic modification of starch. Gel consistency and oil absorption capacity of flour increase significantly (p<0.05) as the grain activation time increased from 12-48 h and temperature from 25 to 35 oC. Raw flour had lowest emulsion activity and stability as well as foaming capacity and stability, while increase in biological activation conditions significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the emulsifying and foaming properties of flour. Paste clarity of native flour was highest among all the samples which after grain activation were significantly reduced; however, biological activation increased the % syneresis due to enzymatic thinning of starch. Proteins were modified by action of enzymes during higher biological activation time and temperature conditions, which also results higher protein solubility. Least gelation concentration (LGC) increased as grain activation conditions progressed and highest LGC was observed after 48 h of grain activation at 35 oC. Increase in biological activation conditions enhanced the in vitro digestibility of starch and protein. Biological activation of grains for longer time period at higher temperature significantly increased the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid content. Similarly reducing power and metal chelating activity also enhanced as grain activation time increased from 12 to 48 h and temperature from 25 to 35 oC. Increased enzymatic activity during biological activation degrades the starch and thus lowers down the peak and final viscosity of grains and also lowers down the Lightness value of the grains. Biologically activated grains packed in high density polyethylene and stored at room temperature for up to 4 months showed considerable stability during their storage. Biologically activated grain were utilized at varying levels in pasta, cookies, flat bread and chapatti and the overall acceptability results showed that they were successfully utilized as functional ingredient at 10 to 15% levels in different products.ennullThesis