Enzymatic Production of a Soluble Fiber Hydrolyzate from Chinese Cabbage Waste and Its Health-Related Properties

Abstract

A feasibility study on the potential use of Chinese cabbage waste as a raw material for the production of soluble dietary fiber was performed. The alkali-soluble fraction obtained by extracting Chinese cabbage waste was hydrolyzed by two commercial xylanase preparations to produce soluble fiber hydrolyzates. The freeze-dried soluble fiber was treated with 85% ethanol and separated into the alcohol-soluble dietary fiber (ASF) and alcohol-insoluble dietary fiber (AIF) fractions. ASF had a significantly greater promoting effect on the growth of lactic acid bacteria. AIF effectively hindered the diffusion of glucose and bile acid from dialysis membranes and displayed a significantly greater bile acid retarding effect than carboxymethylcellulose and pectin. Thus, the water-soluble dietary fiber obtained from Chinese cabbage waste by enzymatic hydrolysis has potential use as a fiber source with prebiotic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Practical Applications Dietary fiber, which has many health-related benefits, is added to various food products as a functional ingredient or acceptability factor. The aim of this study was to produce soluble dietary fiber from Chinese cabbage waste by enzymatic hydrolysis. Our results indicated that soluble fiber hydrolyzate from Chinese cabbage is a practical new resource for preparing functional drinks and nutraceutical products for use in the food industry. The use of agro-industrial waste to produce bioactive ingredients could improve the economic value of such waste.