Author:
Fortu A F,Lozada E P,Peralta E K,Yaptenco K F,Suministrado D C
Abstract
Abstract
In this study, the drying kinetics and anticoagulant activity of dried earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae were compared using microwave-vacuum, dehumidified-air, and freeze-drying. Data showed that microwave-vacuum and dehumidified-air drying methods have relatively short drying time, higher drying rate, and have low operational cost compared with freeze-drying. The Two-term, Midilli, and Diffusion models fit the best in describing drying kinetics under microwave-vacuum, dehumidified-air, and freeze-drying, respectively. The water activity of the dried sample was in the acceptable value for safe storage through the dehumidified-air dried sample was in the critical range. Proximate analysis showed that dried earthworms have high protein content ranging from 60 to 70 percent of its total dry weight. The anticoagulant assay showed that fresh earthworm is potent as heparin showing no coagulation. Microwave-vacuum dried earthworm exhibited the strongest anticoagulant activity compared with other drying methods though weaker than the fresh sample. This study suggests that earthworms have anticoagulant activity, and microwave-vacuum and dehumidified-air drying could be an alternative method for drying the heat-sensitive sample.