Bakery Dough Stabilization via Saccharomyces boulardii Fermentation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bread fermentation processes face challenges in stabilizing the proofing phase, leading to unpredictable gas surges and structural weakening due to varying yeast species' abilities to ferment maltose, which affects dough tolerance and conservation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii or Saccharomyces knighti yeast into the bakery dough composition, along with optional bakery improvers, to control fermentation during the proofing phase, thereby stabilizing the bread fermentation process and preventing excessive gas release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If standard yeast is used during the proofing phase, then fermentation continues naturally, but gas surges too quickly and intensively, weakening the dough structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefermentation activityVSAvoiddough structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by substituting the yeast species from standard Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Saccharomyces bayanus. This species change fundamentally alters the fermentation kinetics, reducing the rate of maltose consumption and CO2 production during proofing. The modified parameter (yeast species) directly controls the fermentation intensity, allowing gas production to occur at a controlled pace that maintains structural integrity while still achieving necessary volume increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the dough to undergo prolonged proofing at room temperature without requiring pre-cooking or cooling steps. The Saccharomyces bayanus yeast provides dynamic adaptability, maintaining stable fermentation activity across extended time periods and varying temperatures. This dynamic behavior allows the dough to self-regulate its fermentation process, expanding gradually while preserving the gluten network structure throughout the proofing phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If proofing duration is extended to allow better dough development, then gas retention improves, but fermentation activity may deplete and structure becomes porous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproofing durationVSAvoidgas retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by selecting Saccharomyces bayanus, which exhibits fundamentally different metabolic characteristics compared to standard yeast. This yeast species consumes maltose at a significantly reduced rate, creating a prolonged but controlled fermentation profile. The parameter change in yeast physiology extends the effective proofing window while maintaining consistent gas production rates, preventing both premature depletion and excessive gas surges that would compromise structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If room temperature proofing is used for ease of operation, then conservation becomes difficult without pre-cooling, but controlled yeast strains enable direct conservation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproofing operationVSAvoidconservation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the yeast's thermal response characteristics through species selection. Saccharomyces bayanus exhibits reduced temperature sensitivity and slower fermentation kinetics at room temperature compared to standard yeast. This parameter change in thermal behavior allows the dough to be proofed and conserved at ambient temperatures without requiring industrial cooling infrastructure, transforming a two-step process (proofing then cooling) into a single-step process suitable for small-scale and artisanal production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for better control of fermentation at room temperature, maintaining dough structure and enabling easier conservation without precooking or cooling, resulting in consistent bread volume and extended proofing tolerance.

Implementation Method 1

The bread fermentation cycle consists of several phases separated by manual or mechanical operations. These different fermentation phases are: proving, relaxation, and proofing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Implementation Method 2

Depending on the nature of the enzymes present in the yeast, the fermentation of maltose by the yeast exists, and is carried out more or less quickly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzyme: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

This proofing phase allows for optimal dough development before baking. The previously shaped dough pieces will expand thanks to the gas pressure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

This gaseous surge leads to the formation of a gluten-based honeycomb structure and the diffusion and retention of carbon dioxide in this structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2467024B2Fermented bakery dough tolerant to proofing
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 LESAFFRE & CIE
  • EP2467024B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2467024B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2467024B2 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of yeast to stabilize bread fermentation during proofing, to a bakery dough composition including said yeast, and to a method for preparing a cooked or fresh product from the bakery dough composition. Specifically, the yeast is Saccharomyces chevalieri and/or Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii.