roweb.cityu.edu.hk
Principal Investigator
Dr. CHEUNG, Hon Yeung
Associate Professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry
Stage of Technology Transfer: Commercially viable technology
Research Area: Life science ─ biotechnology
Background
Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is essentially the tiny nest woven by Swallows or Collocalia (Apodidae) from gelatinous strands of the bird’s saliva mixed with minor feathers or botanic substances. The birds build their nests wherever they like but mainly on the top of sea caves. Since it contains some of the essential glyconutrients and epidermal growth factors, it is a nourishing food and a booster of health. Southeast Asian people consume it because it promotes tissue and cellular growth as well as speeding up recovery from illness.
Description
Instant bird’s nest is the processed food of bird’s nest ready for immediate consumption. It is a functional food product of bird’s nest based on modern food manufacturing technology. Like other instant foods, such as processed noodles, fruit or dairy products, it has to meet certain legislative criteria. Therefore, a system of quality assurance and protocols of quality control for the entire manufacturing process are critical. From time to time, some manufacturers or dealers get prosecuted by the government because of an inability to meet official standards. Consequently, they are treated as possessing or selling fake instant EBN. We have developed some advanced analytical techniques and formulation strategies to help the manufacturing sector to produce instant EBN that meets the legislative requirements. We can also help people to analyze the authenticity of a bird’s nest product based on an array of scientific methods
Uniqueness and Competitive Advantages
contemporary manufacturing methods adopted by some businessmen are non-scientific and irrational. Even though real bird’s nests are used in the manufacturing process, some important components may be masked or destroyed. Our scientific experience and advice on the manufacture of instant bird’s nest could help customers overcome all problems that may arise during manufacturing.
by adoption of our quality assurance system and protocols of quality control, these products will be assured to meet the official requirements that give customers a peace of mind once the products are launched in the market.
our scientific and rational approach could enhance customers’ competitive strength in the international market.
Applications
offer advice and auditing services for the entire manufacturing process of instant bird’s nest products
scientific analysis and development of instant bird’s nest products
authentic study of materials for use in instant bird’s nest products
provide legal opinions and suggestions relevant to instant bird’s nest products
