IgY as a versatile antibody platform for precision diagnostics and targeted biotherapeutics: a review

Abstract

Next-generation biomedical tools require antibodies that are specific, stable, and scalable. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY), derived from egg yolk, offers distinct advantages over mammalian IgG, including higher thermal and proteolytic stability, reduced nonspecific binding in mammalian sera, and lower production costs. This review examines IgY as a versatile biorecognition platform and highlights three engineering strategies—nano-conjugation, surface immobilization, and encapsulation—that further expand its diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In diagnostic applications, IgY reduces background interference by ≥ 90% compared to IgG in several immunoassay formats, enabling ultra‑sensitive detection across multiplex biosensors and point‑of‑care devices. In therapeutic applications, IgY supports non‑invasive interventions such as oral formulations and nano‑hybrid systems. We also discuss the integration of IgY with synthetic biology, AI‑driven antibody design, and digital health surveillance. IgY represents a promising biomaterial for developing equitable, distributed, and precise diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to global health challenges, although further clinical validation and manufacturing standardization are required.