The contribution of intact structure and food processing to functionality of plant cell wall-derived dietary fiber

Plant cell wall-derived dietary fiber (PCWDF) is not only complex in chemical compositions and physical structures, but also co-exists with many other intracellular food components in a form of plant tissue. PCWDF can reduce the bioaccessibility of intracellular food components including lipids, starch and protein through an encapsulation mechanism, and deliver the bound or interacted phytochemicals (mainly polyphenols) and other nutrients to the colon as a targeted delivery system. However, food processing can modify the physical structure and physicochemical properties of PCWDF and create opportunities for complicated interactions within the food matrix, which all contribute to the metabolic fate of PCWDF. There is limited information on PCWDF concerning its structure and related health benefits, due to its complexity in whole plant tissues. Compared with the existing methods, novel research methodology of a holistic approach combined with bioinformatics will reveal the synergy between PCWDF and other components for a deeper understanding of the relationship between structures and functions within a complex food structure.

Automated summary

Plant cell wall-derived dietary fiber (PCWDF) is complex in composition and coexists with other intracellular food components. It reduces the bioaccessibility of intracellular food components and delivers phytochemicals and nutrients to the colon. Food processing modifies the physical structure and properties of PCWDF, affecting its metabolic fate. Limited information on PCWDF's structure and health benefits exists, and a holistic approach with bioinformatics is needed to understand the relationship between structures and functions within complex food structures.