Production and Purification of immunoglobulin Y Anti - S mutans from egg yolk

Streptococcus mutans serotype C is thought to be the principal causative bacterium of dental caries in humans. The overal purpose of the present study was to produce and purify the immunoglobulin Y anti – S. mutans from egg yolk. Methods & Materials: In this experimental laboratory study the S. mutans MT8148 (serotype c) was used as antigen. Hens were immunized with formalin treated whole cells by intramuscular injection. The eggs were collected daily, immunoglobulin Y was purified by water dilution method and ammunium sulfate precipitation followed by T – gel column chromatography. This product was characterized by electrophoresis. The activity of antibody was assessed by ELISA. The immunoglobulin was observed in the g - globulin region in electrophoresis. The optimum dilution of IgY was 1:20000 evaluated by ELISA. Titer of 1:20000 indicates high affinity or concentration of antibody against streptococcus mutans (serotype c). This product will be useful to assay and control the clonization of S. mutans in the oral cavity of human being.