Research Information System
Applied Food Research, vol.5, no.2, 2025 (Scopus)
This study evaluates the effects of high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and microwave (MW) pasteurization on the physicochemical, rheological, and bioactive properties of tomato sauces enriched with plant proteins (pea protein and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBisCo). Parameters such as pH, soluble protein, °Brix, moisture content, color, lycopene, total phenolic content, and antioxidant properties were analyzed. Protein addition significantly enhanced pH, soluble protein, and bioactive content while altering sauce texture and color. Pea protein improved sauce thickness and color appeal, whereas RuBisCo provided higher bioactive retention but reduced thickness. MW pasteurization, compared to conventional methods, resulted in superior lycopene retention and protein solubility due to rapid and efficient heat generation. Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry analysis showed that both proteins and processing methods influenced water mobility and structural properties. This study examined the combined influence of protein enrichment and advanced processing techniques on the bioactive and physicochemical properties of tomato sauces.