This study investigated the impact of in situ-formed exopolysaccharides (EPS) in red bean (Vigna angularis) sourdough fermented by Weissella confusa QS813 on dough rheo-fermentation properties, bread-making quality and aroma characteristics of red bean sourdough bread. The EPS formed in red bean sourdough and sourdough-induced acidification improved the maximum dough fermentation height, gas retention coefficient and viscoelastic properties of dough. Doughs had a lower increase rate of total SDS-soluble gluten proteins, a low decline in GMP content and similar free sulfhydryl content to wheat dough. Resultantly, breads showed declines in baking loss and hardness, increase in specific volume and lower moisture loss and staling rate after 7 days of storage. Finally, despite a reduction in the total content of aroma compounds, new aroma compounds such as acetic acid and higher contents of 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2,3-butanediol were enriched in red bean sourdough bread. Sourdough acidification probably promoted interaction of EPS with gluten or red bean proteins through bond interactions to form structures which stabilized gluten in dough and increased water-binding ability in red bean sourdough bread. This study provided a better understanding of the role of EPS in sourdough in improving bread quality and of promising strategies to address consumer demand for nutritious and clean-label products.

The effects of single- (Lactobacillus fermentum) or mixed-strain (Lactobacillus fermentum, Kluyveromyces marxianus) fermentation of red bean with or without wheat bran on sourdough bread quality and nutritional aspects were investigated. The results showed that, compared to unfermented controls, the tannins, phytic acid, and trypsin inhibitor levels were significantly reduced, whereas the phytochemical (TPC, TFC, and gallic acid) and soluble dietary fiber were increased in sourdough. Meanwhile, more outstanding changes were obtained in sourdough following a mixed-strain than single-strain fermentation, which might be associated with its corresponding β-glucosidase, feruloyl esterase, and phytase activities. An increased specific volume, reduced crumb firmness, and greater sensory evaluation of bread was achieved after mixed-strain fermentation. Moreover, diets containing sourdough, especially those prepared with mixed-strain-fermented red bean with wheat bran, significantly decreased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and improved the lipid profile, HDL/LDL ratio, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity of mice. Moreover, gut microbiota diversity increased towards beneficial genera (e.g., Bifidobacterium), accompanied with a greater increase in short-chain fatty acid production in mice fed on sourdough-based bread diets compared to their controls and white bread. In conclusion, mixed-strain fermentation’s synergistic effect on high fiber-legume substrate improved the baking, sensory quality, and prebiotic effect of bread, leading to potential health benefits in mice.