Effects of Various Inocula Combinations of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Papiliotrema terrestris, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on Dough Fermentation and Final Bread Characteristics

The integration of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in bakery products is currently trending, which aims to enhance the taste and quality to satisfy consumer preferences. This study explored the interaction of Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Papiliotrema terrestris during dough fermentation. Yeasts and LAB were monitored every three hours over a twelve-hour period. The chemical parameters and quality characteristics of both the dough and bread were analyzed. The highest level of S. cerevisiae was observed in the control treatment (9.30 log CFU/g, after 9 h) and in the treatment with co-inoculation of S. cerevisiae and P. terrestris (9.30 log CFU/g, after 12 h). Non-Saccharomyces yeasts peaked in the treatment with P. terrestris and L. mesenteroides, showing 7.77 log CFU/g after three hours. Doughs with L. mesenteroides achieved the fastest acidification. Treatments involving all three strains showed the highest increase in volume and CO₂ emissions. The profiles of volatile organic compounds emitted from bread varied depending on the inoculum combination. These findings underscore the need for further research into the interactions between this unconventional yeast and other microorganisms typically used in baking.