Research Article

Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate

Volume: 40 Number: 1 April 28, 2026
TR EN

Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate

Abstract

This study investigated the enhancement of functional properties of proteins extracted from defatted hazelnut pulp through kefir fermentation. Analyses included pH, titratable acidity, protein content, reducing sugars, phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects. Fermentation significantly altered the composition and functionality of hazelnut protein isolates. Fermentation caused an apparent 88% increase in measured water-soluble protein content in the liquid phase, while titratable acidity rose more than fourfold, accompanied by a pH decline. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased by 53% and 32%, respectively, enhancing antioxidant activity, which nearly doubled by the third day. The reducing sugar content also increased, reaching a peak on the second day. Despite these improvements, fermented samples showed no marked antimicrobial effects against E. coli and S. aureus. Overall, kefir fermentation of hazelnut protein isolates improved antioxidant and functional properties, highlighting their potential application in functional foods. Further studies with defined microbial strains and extended fermentation times are recommended to optimize bioactive compound production.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Project Number

1919B012210203

Ethical Statement

This article does not involve studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. All experimental procedures were conducted in compliance with institutional, national, and international guidelines for research integrity and safety. No ethical approval was required for this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Fermentation Technology, Food Technology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 28, 2026

Submission Date

September 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 40 Number: 1

APA
Ermiş, E., İyibaş, S., Küçük, İ., & Albayraktar, H. (2026). Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 40(1), 190-201. https://doi.org/10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041
AMA
1.Ermiş E, İyibaş S, Küçük İ, Albayraktar H. Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate. Selcuk J Agr Food Sci. 2026;40(1):190-201. doi:10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041
Chicago
Ermiş, Ertan, Senanur İyibaş, İrem Küçük, and Hilal Albayraktar. 2026. “Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate”. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 40 (1): 190-201. https://doi.org/10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041.
EndNote
Ermiş E, İyibaş S, Küçük İ, Albayraktar H (April 1, 2026) Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 40 1 190–201.
IEEE
[1]E. Ermiş, S. İyibaş, İ. Küçük, and H. Albayraktar, “Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate”, Selcuk J Agr Food Sci, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 190–201, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041.
ISNAD
Ermiş, Ertan - İyibaş, Senanur - Küçük, İrem - Albayraktar, Hilal. “Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate”. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 40/1 (April 1, 2026): 190-201. https://doi.org/10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041.
JAMA
1.Ermiş E, İyibaş S, Küçük İ, Albayraktar H. Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate. Selcuk J Agr Food Sci. 2026;40:190–201.
MLA
Ermiş, Ertan, et al. “Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate”. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, vol. 40, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 190-01, doi:10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041.
Vancouver
1.Ertan Ermiş, Senanur İyibaş, İrem Küçük, Hilal Albayraktar. Kefir Fermentation-Induced Changes in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Defatted Hazelnut Protein Isolate. Selcuk J Agr Food Sci. 2026 Apr. 1;40(1):190-201. doi:10.15316/selcukjafsci.1782041

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