Abstract:To investigate the physicochemical and functional properties of dietary fiber from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed meal, seabuckthorn seed meal was used as the raw material, and the soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) were prepared via composite enzymatic hydrolysis. Their physicochemical properties and structural characteristics were systematically characterized. The results showed that the IDF yield was 76.03%, which was dominant, and the yield of SDF was only 5.23%. In terms of chemical composition, SDF had a total sugar content of 84.43%, which was significantly higher than that of IDF, while there was no significant difference in the content of flavonoids between the two. In terms of structural characteristics, infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that SDF and IDF had similar chemical compositions, but SDF had a denser hydrogen-bond network. X-ray diffraction patterns further revealed the amorphous structure of SDF and the ordered structure and high crystallinity of IDF. Scanning electron microscopy showed that SDF appeared as smooth, uniform and spherical particles whilst IDF occurred as porous honeycomb structures. Functional property analysis showed that IDF outperformed SDF in water-holding (2.50 g/g), oil-holding (2.96 g/g), and swelling (3.66 mL/g) capacities, due to IDF’s rough and wrinkled surface and porous network structure. SDF exhibited superior water-binding capacity (1.86 g/g) due to its loose and low-crystallinity structure. In addition, both fractions demonstrated potential cholesterol adsorption and glucose retardation capabilities. This study not only provides a novel strategy for g high-value utilization of sea buckthorn seed meal, but also offers a scientific basis for in-depth research, application and development of dietary fiber.