Document Type : Analytic Review
Authors
1
Department of Aquatic animal Health and Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute(IFSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran R&D Department, Arghavan Teb Kavian Knowledge-based Company, Karaj, Iran
3
M.Sc. Graduate in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Medical Sciences of Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Cell, Molecular and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technologies, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
5
Animal Science Division, R&D Department, Arghavan Teb Kavian Knowledge-based Company, Karaj, Iran
6
Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
10.48311/jfst.2026.79580.0
Abstract
Aquatic animal diseases have emerged as a critical challenge in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, posing significant threats to production efficiency and sustainability. In response, novel biotechnological approaches have been proposed to mitigate these issues. Among them, egg yolk-derived immunoglobulin (IgY), a naturally occurring antibody in birds, is gaining recognition as a promising tool for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases across a range of species, including livestock, poultry, aquatics, and even humans. Unlike mammalian IgG, IgY can be extracted non-invasively from egg yolk and does not cross-react with the mammalian complement system, thus minimizing potential immunological complications. These attributes render IgY a viable candidate for oral administration in animals and offer broad applicability in medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IgY, encompassing its production, extraction, purification, microencapsulation, and practical applications in animal husbandry and aquaculture. Furthermore, the article examines the benefits and current limitations associated with the commercialization of IgY-based technologies. Despite recent advancements in its development and deployment, further progress in formulation optimization, stabilization techniques, and applied research is essential to fully realize the potential of IgY as an effective immunological tool in modern aquaculture practices.
Keywords
Subjects
