Compounds with antibacterial activity

Abstract

In contrast to the immune system of animals, which produces antimicrobial polypeptides when needed, the avian egg white can efficiently resist microorganisms over a prolonged period in the absence of an innate systemic host defense. From its role in defense of the chicken embryo, one may infer that it contains anti-microbial compounds, and consequently that albumen may represents a major inexpensive source of antimicrobial molecules usable by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Some of these compounds are well studied and have already been used as preservatives; some others are the subject of advanced research and represent promising leads for the treatment of various diseases. Moreover, it appears quite likely that all antimicrobial potentialities of egg components have not been discovered. Beyond the evident advantage of these new molecules to human health, discovery of each new biologically active compound in the egg promises to be an opportunity for further development of the egg-product industry. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.