Hen eggs have exceptional potential as an inexhaustible source for a variety of products with unique properties. These products are valuable to human health and nutrition and can be used as raw materials for diverse purposes in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioactive Egg Compounds presents the latest results and concepts in the biotechnological use of egg compounds. Following an introduction to the different compounds of egg white, yolk and shell, the nutritive value of egg compounds is discussed. Procedures for processing egg compounds to improve their nutritive value are described, including the concept of so-called enriched eggs. Also described is the isolation and application of egg compounds with special properties, such as antibiotic action.

The chapters are by authors from 12 countries, all renowned specialists, who are active in various fields of egg research, such as quality control, biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology.

Composition and Extraction of Egg Components

Composition and Structure of Hen Egg Yolk
Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) or Lipovitellenin Fraction
High-density Lipoproteins (HDL) or Lipovitellin Fraction
Phosvitin
Livetin Fractions (IgY)
Lysozyme
Ovotransferrin
Ovalbumin and Gene-Related Proteins
Ovomucin
Riboflavin-Binding Protein (Flavoprotein)
Avidin
Proteases
Antiproteases
Minor Proteins
Structure and Formation of the Eggshell
Eggshell Matrix Proteins
Function of Eggshell Matrix Proteins
Use of Egg Compounds for Human Nutrition
Nutritional Evaluation of Egg Compounds
Concepts of Hypoallergenicity
Egg Enrichment in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Enrichment in Vitamins
Enrichment in Selenium and Other Trace Elements
Use of Eggs for Human/Animal Health and Biotechnology
Compounds with Antibacterial Activity
Egg-Protein-Derived Peptides with Antihypertensive Activity
Use of IgY Antibodies in Human and Veterinary Medicine
Egg Compounds with Antioxidant and Mineral Binding Properties
Use of Lecithin and Lecithin Fractions
Extraction of Several Egg Compounds at a Pilot Scale
Use of Egg Compounds for Cosmetics and Pharmaceutics
Use of Egg Compounds for Cryoprotection of Spermatozoa
Egg-Protein-Based Films and Coatings
Magnetic Particles for Egg Research
Avidin-Biotin Technology.