Functional and biological activities of Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) protein by proteomic and bioinformatic analyses

Edible Bird's Nest (EBN) is a traditional food in Southeast Asia that has been consumed for centuries. In addition to its high protein content, numerous researchers are now exploring the functional proteins of EBN, which have yet to be identified. The present study investigates the EBN proteome by integrating mass spectrometry with protein-based bioinformatics analysis. For protein recovery, three different precipitation techniques were employed; of these, the ammonium sulfate (AS) precipitation technique produced the highest protein yield (74.85%, p < 0.05). The AS precipitation technique was effective in preserving the integrity of EBN proteins as revealed by protein electrophoresis. A total of 35 proteins were identified in the EBN-AS proteins. The predominant function of EBN-AS proteins is immunomodulation, which was further confirmed by their antioxidant [DPPH<middle dot> activity (23.86%) and ABTS(<middle dot>+) activity (41.97%)], anti-inflammatory [inhibition of nitric oxide production (22.84%), and inhibition of albumin denaturation (19.48%)] assay. Hence, EBN-AS proteins have the potential to regulate the immune system and could be used as natural ingredients for the development of functional foods.