IgYbased

IgYbased refers to technologies or products that utilize IgY antibodies. IgY is a type of antibody found in the yolk of bird and reptile eggs, as well as in the sera of fish. It is the functional equivalent of mammalian IgG. The primary source for IgY production is chicken eggs, as chickens are easily managed and produce large quantities of IgY.

The production of IgY antibodies involves immunizing hens with a specific antigen. The hens then produce antibodies against this antigen, which are concentrated in their egg yolks. This method is advantageous because it is non-invasive compared to mammalian antibody production, which typically requires blood collection. Furthermore, chicken IgY can be purified from egg yolks with relative ease, making it a cost-effective option for antibody generation.

IgY-based applications span various fields. In diagnostics, IgY antibodies are used in ELISA tests, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry for the detection of specific biomarkers. They have also found use in passive immunotherapy, where administering IgY antibodies can confer temporary immunity against certain pathogens or toxins. For instance, IgY antibodies have been developed to combat bacterial infections, viral diseases, and even to neutralize venom. Research is ongoing to explore further therapeutic and prophylactic uses of IgY antibodies.