Advances in eggshell membrane separation and solubilization technologies

Chunhao Han; Yifan Chen; Lei Shi; Hui Chen; Lanhui Li; Zhonghua Ning; Dan Zeng; Dehe Wang

doi:10.3389/fvets.2023.1116126

Advances in eggshell membrane separation and solubilization technologies

Front Vet Sci. 2023 Mar 16:10:1116126. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1116126. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Chunhao Han¹, Yifan Chen¹, Lei Shi¹, Hui Chen¹, Lanhui Li¹, Zhonghua Ning², Dan Zeng³, Dehe Wang¹

Affiliations

¹ College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China.
² College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
³ Hebei Layer Industry Technology Research Institute, Handan, China.

Abstract

Eggshell membranes (ESM) contain 90% protein, 3% lipids, 2% sugars, and small amounts of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Of the 90% of proteins present, 472 proteins species have been identified. ESM provide the initial mineralization platform for eggshell formation, and can be used for to produce adsorbents, cosmetics, and medical products because of their special physical structure and chemical composition. The special physical structure of the eggshell membrane, with disulfide bonds between and within the protein molecules and the cross-linking of lysine-derived and heterochain chains between the eggshell membrane, makes the membrane very difficult to dissolve, with a maximum solubility rate of only 62%. Also, the insolubility of ESM limits its development and use also any related research. Based on the physical structure and chemical composition of the eggshell membrane, this paper reviews the latest research on eggshell membrane separation and membrane protein solubilization to provide a reference for promoting the separation, dissolution, and rational development and use of the avian eggshell membrane.

Keywords: chicken; dissolution; disulfide bond; eggshell membrane; protein.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31902141), the S&T Program of Hebei (20326631D), and Special project for the construction of science and technology research and development platform (225676150H).