Edible Bird's Nest Extract via Enzymatic Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of edible bird's nest (EBN) results in low bioavailability of beneficial components due to large biomacromolecules being difficult to digest, potential allergenicity, contamination risks, and adulteration issues, which compromise quality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method involving washing, filtering, and extracting EBN using enzyme solutions to isolate specific molecules such as N glycans, O glycans, and other glycan-binding proteins, followed by sterilization and dehydration to produce a purified extract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If EBN is boiled in water to prepare soup or drinks, then the preparation is simple and retains whole EBN structure, but the bioavailability of beneficial components is low due to large biomacromolecules being difficult to digest and absorb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the large biomacromolecules of EBN into smaller molecular components through enzymatic hydrolysis. The extraction process uses enzymes to cleave proteins and other macromolecules into peptides and smaller molecules that are more easily absorbed by the body, thereby improving bioavailability while maintaining ease of preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts beneficial components from the EBN matrix through solvent extraction and filtration processes. By separating the active ingredients from the indigestible structural components, the invention delivers concentrated bioactive molecules that are readily absorbable while eliminating the digestion barriers present in whole EBN.
2Reliability
If whole EBN is consumed, then the therapeutic benefits are retained, but immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated anaphylaxis and other harmful effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts specific beneficial components from EBN while leaving behind the allergenic proteins and harmful substances. Through selective extraction using enzymes and solvents, the patent isolates bioactive molecules that provide therapeutic benefits without the IgE-mediated allergens that cause anaphylaxis in whole EBN consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a product with non-uniform composition - concentrating the beneficial bioactive molecules while removing or minimizing harmful components. The extracted product has a different molecular profile than whole EBN, with enriched therapeutic compounds and reduced allergenicity, allowing targeted delivery of benefits without harmful effects.
3Ease of manufacture
If crude EBN is used, then the processing is minimal and cost is reduced, but undesirable compounds and adulterants are present that decrease quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses extraction processes to remove adulterants and undesirable compounds from EBN while retaining beneficial components. The enzymatic and solvent extraction methods selectively isolate pure EBN derivatives from contaminated crude material, delivering high-quality products without requiring extensive manual purification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using controlled pH, temperature, and enzyme conditions to selectively dissolve and extract pure EBN components from adulterated crude material. By optimizing extraction parameters, the invention separates desirable molecules from contaminants, achieving high manufacturing precision through chemical parameter control rather than mechanical sorting.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If EBN is processed to remove contaminants, then safety is improved, but the processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous extraction processes where enzymes and solvents continuously act on the EBN material to remove contaminants and extract beneficial components in a single integrated flow. This continuous action eliminates the need for multiple discrete purification steps, reducing processing complexity while maintaining high safety standards through sustained contaminant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses enzymes and solvents as intermediary agents that facilitate the removal of contaminants and extraction of pure components. These intermediaries selectively bind to and remove harmful substances while leaving beneficial molecules intact, simplifying the overall purification process by delegating contaminant removal to specialized molecular mediators rather than requiring complex mechanical separation systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances the bioavailability and therapeutic benefits of EBN by isolating desirable compounds, reducing allergenicity and contamination risks, and improving the quality of the extract, as demonstrated by its potent anti-influenza virus activity and promotion of cell growth and differentiation.
Implementation Method 1
The washing step comprises exposing the EBN to a first enzyme solution at ambient temperatures for about 5 minutes
Implementation Method 2
The extraction solution may comprising any one selected from the group comprising: an anti-N glycan, an anti-O glycan, an anti-sialic acid
Implementation Method 3
the method further comprising sterilising the washed EBN prior to the extraction step at 121° C. for about 10 minutes
Implementation Method 4
followed by sterilization and dehydration to produce a purified extract
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a bird's nest extract and the various extracts obtained from said method. In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a bird's nest extract, the extract comprising at least one molecule obtained from edible bird's nest (EBN), the method comprising the steps of: (a) washing raw EBN; (b) filtering the washed EBN; (c) extracting the molecule from the EBN; and (d) isolating the molecule.