Spirulina-Enriched Pasta as Functional Food Rich in Protein and Antioxidant

Functional foods are considered foods that have a beneficial impact when ingestion. The present work aims to prepare functional food in the form of pasta rich in antioxidants and protein by enrichment with different Spirulina levels (SP). To achieve this aim, acute and chronic toxicity of SP were evaluated in experimental animals. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound content, physicochemical, rheological, and sensorial parameters were evaluated in pasta samples. Volatile compounds were investigated in pasta samples using SPME-GC-MS. Spirulina indicated complete safety in acute and chronic toxicity studies. Protein content in pasta increased with the increment of SP. Rheological parameters, color, and cooking quality were increased following SP level while; dough stability was decreased. Sensory evaluation of pasta samples was acceptable up to 5% SP. Total phenolic compound content was increased in pasta with increasing S SP's level and reaches its maximum value at level 10% SP (3.12 mg GAE/g). Antioxidant activity was reduced in cooked pasta compared to uncooked. Twenty-five volatile compounds were identified in fresh pasta samples (0 & 2.5% SP). Hexanal and 2-pentylfuran were the highest volatile compounds in pasta samples. Spirulina is completely safe and could be used in the preparation of functional foods. Spirulina-enriched pasta is a rich source of protein and antioxidants. The enrichment of pasta caused a reduction in sensory scores with an increase in the addition level. This reduction may be due to the low concentration of 2-pentylfuran and hexanal as flavor compounds.