[Comparison of standard methods for the preparation of egg yolk antibodies].

Chicken egg yolk antibodies (lgY) play an increasing role as alternative to mammalian polyclonal antibodies. They are widely used in biomedical research, for diagnostics, prophylaxis, and therapy of diseases. The extraction steps of IgY from egg yolk must be simple, with high output of purified antibodies. The aim of the present study was a comparison of different purification methods of egg yolk antibodies. The results of eight extraction methods of IgY and method combinations were investigated by PAGE and densitometric analysis. It has been demonstrated, that the IgY preparation with dextran sulfate is very effective, quick and simple to perform. It is well-suited in combination with other methods, e.g. ammonium sulfate precipitation.