Anti-nutrient & bioactive profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, techno-functionality, molecular and structural interactions of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) as influenced by biological processing techniques

The present investigation aimed at assessing the impact of biological processing techniques on bio-and technofunctional characteristics of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). Grains were exposed to soaking, germination, fermentation and combination of aforesaid treatments and significant variation (p < 0.05) in anti-nutritional factors, in vitro starch and protein digestibility, bioactive constituents and associated antioxidant potential was noted. Bioprocessed flours were characterized by altered functional properties due to hydrolytic action of activated enzymes. ATR-FTIR spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns revealed structural variation in macromolecular arrangement, synthesis of bioactive compounds in bioprocessed flours and slight reduction in the crystallinity of starch molecules. Bioprocessed flours exhibited degraded protein matrix; however, only fermentation and combination treatments caused hydrolysis of granular starch. Principal component analysis was employed to validate the differences in processing treatments and observations. The results are suggestive that bioprocessed flours could serve as potential ingredients with improved techno-and bio-functionality in valorized cereal products.