Fractionation of edible bird’s nest glycoprotein hydrolysates:characterisation and antioxidative activities of the fractions

E dible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates have been proven to exhibit enhanced bioactivities.However,being a macromolecule,fractions with different molecular weights would have different properties and bioactivities.Hence,this research was aimed to determine the chemical properties and antioxidant activities of freezedried(EBN_(FD))and spray-dried EBN(EBN_(SD))hydrolysates fractionated using gel permeation chromatography(GPC).Overall,two well-separated fractions were identified(EBN_(fFD1),EBN_(fFD2),EBN_(fSD1) and EBN_(fSD2)).EBNFD demonstrated significantly higher(P≤0.05)peptide(3.6%),total carbohydrate(27.7%)and sialic acid(18.2%)contents than that of EBNSD.Similar trend was observed in low molecular weight fractionates(EBN_(fFD2) and EBN_(fSD2)).Meanwhile,the first fractionates(EBN_(fFD1) and EBN_(fSD1))exhibited significantly higher(P≤0.05)hydroxyl radical(·OH)scavenging activity.Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy demonstrated that all EBN fractionates have similar spectrum,except in the region of N—H(amideⅡ)and C—H alkyl group.In conclusion,EBN fractionates with different molecular weights showed different chemical properties and antioxidant activities.