Study & analysis of Edible Bird Nest’s (EBN) microstructure and the basic parameters (soaking time, temperature and frequency) for the cleaning purpose

Abstract

Bird nest is secreted from several different species of swallow salivary. There are only two out of twenty four species that can only be deemed as 'edible' which are White-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus Fuciphogus) and Black-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus Maximus). Nowadays, there are plenty of nutrient analysis works on Edible Bird Nest (EBN). However, the microstructure of the EBN and the basic parameter (soaking time, temperature and frequency) also must be studied for the cleaning purpose. The cleaning process of the EBN will then be shortening if there is adequate knowledge on the microstructure and the application of the basic parameters apply on it. Hence, the aim of this research is to study the information of the microstructure of the unclean and cleaned EBN. Besides that, this research will also test and analyze the effect of the basic parameters towards the EBN. In addition, the water absorption and removal rate of the EBN will be studied under the effect of each chosen parameters. Last but not least, the best parameters set that affected on the EBN will be determined for cleaning purpose during the cleaning process. This goal will be achieved by the method design of experiment (DOE) – Taguchi Method. In a nutshell, the time needed in the cleaning process can be reduced by optimizing the range of basic parameter for cleaning purpose. By accomplishing this research, the knowledge and information gained will contribute in designing the cleaning machine for the EBN or used as a reference in future.