ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Enhancing Edible Bird’s Nest with Water Kefir: A Novel Approach to Boost Antioxidant, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Probiotic Growth-Stimulating Properties for Functional Beverage Development
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1
NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2
Nguyen Tat Thanh University Center for Hi-Tech Development, Saigon Hi-Tech Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3
VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Arts, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
4
Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Vietnam
Submission date: 2025-07-18
Acceptance date: 2025-11-18
Corresponding author
Khoa Thi Nguyen
NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, 298-300A Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Water kefir has been extensively utilized to produce non-dairy drinks that provide significant health advantages. To expand the range of fermented products and cater to consumer preferences, research into new fermentation substrates for water kefir is essential. In this study, we used edible bird’s nest (EBN) as a fermentation substrate, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and prebiotic properties, along with total phenolic content, protein profile, and sensory characteristics over an 8-day fermentation period. Our results showed that the capacity to scavenge ABTS•+ and •OH free radicals, inhibit tyrosinase activity, and promote the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis improved during fermentation, with the most pronounced effects observed at 8 days of fermentation. Additionally, the total phenolic content increased over time, peaking at day 8 with a value of approximately 2,100 µg GAE/mL. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the emergence of new small proteins and peptides under 10 kDa. Sensory evaluation indicated that EBN water kefir received moderate overall acceptance. Notably, when 10% (v/v) rose syrup was incorporated into the final product fermented for 8 days, it was highly appreciated by the panelists. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of EBN water kefir and open avenues for developing a functional beverage from fermented EBN in the future.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to Phuoc Loc Thi Nguyen, Director of Phuoc Tin Development Trading Service Company, Limited and M.S. Vu Nguyen Ngo, NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, for kindly providing edible bird’s nest and Lactococcus lactis strains, respectively. We acknowledge Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for supporting this study.
FUNDING
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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