A novel insoluble dietary fiber-based edible paper from Chinese cabbage

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) from Chinese cabbage to make a novel edible paper. The structural, physical, and chemical properties and crystallinity of the IDF were first analyzed. The characteristics and fracture surfaces of the handsheets made by the IDF were then studied. The paper performance was finally measured. We found four types of fiber morphology in IDF after the original Chinese cabbage fiber was treated with 8 wt% alkali solution. The IDF-based paper showed a smooth surface, soft and transparent texture, and good strength. The IDF effectively enhanced the paper-packaging performances when it was mixed with wood fiber, although the performance of the IDF-based paper was lower than that of the wood pulp-based paper. The IDF is edible and suitable for direct contact with foods or drugs. Therefore, the IDF-based edible paper has significant development potential for food and pharmaceutical packaging in the future.