The physicochemical and antioxidant activity of Realfood’ hydrolysed bird nest (RHBN)

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is a high-value natural product secreted by swiftlets, predominantly harvested in Southeast Asia and China, where these birds are widely distributed. . Edible bird nest contains a high amount of protein, some of which are sialylated. The protein content and sialic acid contents are reliant on the species of the swiftlet Due to the composition of the edible bird nest, this natural product is widely utilized as functional food and nutraceuticals. Our present study aims to characterize the edible bird nest obtained from Indonesia as well as characterize the value-added product Realfood’ hydrolysed bird nest (RHBN). RHBN was produced using the proprietary process implementing the highly pressurised heating. This study reveals that RHBN was produced from authentic edible bird nest. The authenticity was proven using a compositional analysis and proteomic study showing the used EBN has protein as major compound and considerable amount of sialic acid. Also, the typical protein of EBN was found in the present study. The processing of RHBN fragmented the protein to a lower molar weight compared to its native source and the EBN dispersed in water exhibited particles with nano size. The freeze-dried RHBN was shown to possess antioxidant activity in vitro (DPPH inhibition), with an IC50 of 8.3 mg. Hence, we suggest that RHBN is a potential functional food from edible bird nest. Future studies on the investigation of specific bioactive peptides are suggested. Also, the in vivo study verifying the functionality of RHBN is highly suggested.