ovomucoids

Ovomucoids are a type of protein found in the egg whites of birds, including chickens. They are a major component of the egg white, making up about 11% of its total protein content. These proteins play a significant role in the immunological defense of the chicken embryo, helping to protect it from bacterial and viral infections.

Ovomucoids are ovotransferrin-like proteins, with a molecular weight of approximately 76 kilodaltons. They are rich in lysine and glycine amino acids, which contribute to their structural stability and resistance to heat and proteolytic digestion. These properties allow ovomucoids to persist in the egg white even after cooking, where they may be found as an insoluble complex with lyssozyme.

In addition to their role in immunological defense, ovomucoids have been found to possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Studies have shown that these proteins can inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus, as well as certain viruses. This makes ovomucoids of interest for use in food safety applications, such as the preservation of eggs and egg products.

Research on the structure and function of ovomucoids has been limited, largely due to their complex and heterogeneous composition. Further study is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and potential applications in medicine and food science.