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A Review of the uses of poultry eggshells and shell membranes

January 2011
International Journal of Poultry Science 10(11):908-912

Authors:

Egerton University

This study was conducted to find out the multiple uses of eggshells in nutrition and medicine. Eggshells can be utilized for various purposes that minimize their effect on environmental pollution. Eggshells present healthy, balanced calcium due to its trace amounts of other minerals and is probably the best natural source of calcium. One whole medium sized eggshell makes about one teaspoon of powder, which yields about 750-800 mgs of elemental calcium plus other micro elements. Eggshell powder has been reported to increase bone mineral density in people and animals with osteoporosis. In laying hens in the late production phase, eggshell powder has been found to increase egg production and improve the quality of shells. Discarded eggshells are often used as a plant fertilizer and are effective liming sources. This is because eggshells contain calcium that raises, or neutralizes, the pH level of overly acidic soil. Chicken eggshells can be used as an alternative soil stabilizer like lime since they have the same chemical composition. Such stabilized soil can be used as subgrade materials in road construction works. Eggshell membrane consists of collagen as a component. Collagen is a type of protein, fibrous in nature that connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles and cartilage. Collagen has been isolated mainly from bovine and swine skins and bones Collagen used in medicine, biochemical, pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. After the outbreaks of bovine spongioform encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, autoimmune and allergic reactions, restrictions on collagen uses from these sources were enforced. Eggshell membrane collagen is very low in autoimmune and allergic reactions as well as high in bio-safety and is of similar characteristics to other mammalian collagen. Eggshells/shell membranes have multiple uses in nutrition, medicine, construction and art works.

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International Journal of Poultry Science 10 (11): 908-912, 2011

ISSN 1682-8356

908

A Review of the Uses of Poultry Eggshells and Shell Membranes

A.M. King’ori

Department of Animal Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box, 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya

Abstract: This study was conducted to find out the multiple uses of eggshells in nutrition and medicine.

Eggshells can be utilized for various purposes that minimize their effect on environmental pollution.

Eggshells present healthy, balanced calcium due to its trace amounts of other minerals and is probably the

best natural source of calcium. One whole medium sized eggshell makes about one teaspoon of powder,

which yields about 750-800 mgs of elemental calcium plus other micro elements. Eggshell powder has

been reported to increase bone mineral density in people and animals with osteoporosis. In laying hens in

the late production phase, eggshell powder has been found to increase egg production and improve the

quality of shells. Discarded eggshells are often used as a plant fertilizer and are effective liming sources.

This is because eggshells contain calcium that raises, or neutralizes, the pH level of overly acidic soil.

Chicken eggshells can be used as an alternative soil stabilizer like lime since they have the same chemical

composition. Such stabilized soil can be used as subgrade materials in road construction works. Eggshell

membrane consists of collagen as a component. Collagen is a type of protein, fibrous in nature that

connects and supports other bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles and cartilage. Collagen

has been isolated mainly from bovine and swine skins and bones Collagen used in medicine, biochemical,

pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. After the outbreaks of bovine spongioform encephalopathy,

foot and mouth disease, autoimmune and allergic reactions, restrictions on collagen uses from these

sources were enforced. Eggshell membrane collagen is very low in autoimmune and allergic reactions as

well as high in bio-safety and is of similar characteristics to other mammalian collagen. Eggshells/shell

membranes have multiple uses in nutrition, medicine, construction and art works.

Key words: Poultry eggshells, shell membranes, collagen, gelatin, calcium carbonate, soil stabilization

INTRODUCTION

Eggshells are waste materials from hatcheries, homes

and fast food industries (Phil and Zhihong, 2009; Amu et

al., 2005) and can be readily collected in plenty. Eggshell

waste disposal contributes to environmental pollution.

Challenges associated with disposal of eggshells

include cost, availability of disposal sites, odour, flies

and abrasiveness (Phil and Zhihong, 2009). However,

they can be processed into saleable products like

fertilizer, used in artwork, human and animal nutrition

and building materials and to produce collagen from theUses of eggshells: Eggshells contain calcium and trace

membranes (Phil and Zhihong, 2009; Amu et al., 2005).amounts of other micro elements, i.e. magnesium,

Shell membranes consist of collagen as a component.boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur,

The collagen is extracted and has diverse uses insilicon and zinc (Bee, 2011). Eggshell calcium is

medicine, biochemical, pharmaceutical, food andprobably the best natural source of calcium and it is

cosmetics industries. These uses minimize their effectabout 90% absorbable (Bee, 2011). It is a much better

on environmental pollution. The eggshell and shellsource of calcium than limestone or coral sources. To

membranes make up 10.2% of the whole egg. Themake eggshell powder, boil eggshells in hot water for 5-

eggshell comprises of calcified shell and shell10 min to kill pathogens, then air dry them. Grind them

membranes including inner and outer membranes.into a fine powder. One whole medium sized eggshell

MacNeil (1997) developed a patent for separating eggmakes about one teaspoon of powder, which yields

shell membranes from the eggshell. The organic matterabout 750-800 mgs of elemental calcium (Bee, 2011).

of eggshell and shell membranes contains proteins asThe composition of an eggshell is very similar to that of

major constituents with small amounts asour bones and teeth. It is recommended that people with

carbohydrates and lipids (Burley and Vadehra, 1989).osteoporosis take 400-500 mg calcium per day to

The composition of the egg shell is approximately 98.2,supplement dietary sources. The powder should be

0.9, 0.9% Calcium carbonate, Magnesium and

Phosphorous (phosphate) respectively (Romanoff et al.,

1949). Shell membranes comprises of 69.2% protein,

2.7% fat, 1.5% moisture and 27.2% ash (MacNeil, 1997).

Shell membranes protein comprises of approximately

10% collagen (Froning, 1998). Eggshell and shell

membranes are non-edible by-products with little

saleable value but they may contain biologically active

compounds (Nakano et al., 2003).

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 10 (11): 908-912, 2011

909

taken together with some added magnesium, zinc,plants to deter slugs and snails. They are also used by

vitamin D3, K1, K2, strontium and boron for efficientartists to make mosaics and to make textured paint for

utilization. Schaafsma et al. (2002) reported a highly3D effects in artwork (Phil and Zhihong, 2009).

positive effect of eggshell calcium supplementation (with The use of soil stabilizer agents like lime and bitumen

added magnesium and vitamin D) on Bone Mineralare expensive and therefore require an economic

Density (BMD). In this study, the eggshell supplemented replacement (Amu and Salami, 2010). Soil stabilization

group had measurable increases in bone density inmay be broadly defined as the alteration or preservation

their hip bones, after one year. The findings indicate that of one or more soil properties to improve the

healthy late post-menopausal women with an adequateengineering characteristics and performance. When the

Calcium intake at baseline may increase bone mineralmechanical stability of soil cannot be obtained by

density of the hip within 12 months followingcombing materials, it is advisable to stabilize it by

supplementation with the chicken eggshell powder-adding lime, cement, bituminous materials or special

enriched supplement. additives. Chicken eggshells are waste material that can

Manganese and zinc are involved in egg shell formationbe used as an alternative soil stabilizer like lime since

and enzymatic activity at uterus level where calcificationthey have the same chemical composition (Amu et al.,

begins. Zinc as organic form is associated with the2005). However, eggshell powder has not been used as

increased activity of carbonic anhydrase, improving the a stabilizing material in most parts of the world but it

quality of egg shell and the presence of manganese has could be a replacement for other types of stabilization

an activator influence on the calcification and resistance (Olarewaju et al., 2011). Most industrial activities lead to

of the egg shell (Ceylan and Scheideler, 1999).depletion of natural resources and in the process may

Extrusion technology has been used to utilize eggshellsresult in accumulation of by-products and waste

in laying rations (Froning and Bergquist, 1990). Inmaterials that may be a problem to dispose. Eggshells

laying hens feeding, organic sources of micro elementsare waste materials from hatcheries, homes and fast

are frequently used. They seem to have a higherfood industries (Phil and Zhihong, 2009; Amu et al.,

biological activity and bioavailability in the hen compared 2005) and disposal contributes to environmental

to inorganic sources. Iara et al. (2007) reported thatpollution. The composition of the egg shell is

offering an organic mineral supplement (Eggshell - 49) approximately 98.2, % Calcium carbonate, making it a

to hybrid laying hens between 49-69 weeks of age hadgood soil amendment material. Amu et al. (2005)

favorable effects on the main production indices andreported that eggshells can be an alternative to lime as

quality of egg shells. This was attributed to the role and a soil stabilizing agent while Amu and Salami (2010) in

contribution of the micro elements (manganese, zinc)the search for alternative soil stabilizing agents, reported

and macroelements (calcium, phosphorus) present inthat pulverized eggshells improved the plastic indices of

the Eggshell - 49 supplement in the formation andlateritic soil samples. Eggshell powder mixed with

improvement of the egg shell quality. Similar findingslateritic soil possesses low binding properties but can

were reported by Gomez (1998); Ceylan and Scheidelerbe mixed to significantly improve the strength of soil to

(1999). In Japan, researchers studied a combination ofbe used as a subgrade where very high performance is

vitamin D3 and eggshell powder in animals withnot necessary (Olarewaju et al., 2011). Eggshell powder

osteoporosis. The eggshell powder with vitamin D3 wascapacity as a stabilizer does not meet the minimum

able to improve bone mineral density withoutrequirement for use as base and subbase materials for

significantly increasing blood calcium levels. Any kind of road construction (Olarewaju et al., 2011). Therefore,

eggshells (chicken, goose and duck) can be used, butpulverized eggshells have potential as a soil stabilizing

it is best to use shells from birds that get balancedagent. Such stabilized soil can be used as subgrade

minerals in the diet. materials in road construction works. Pulverized

Discarded eggshells are often used as a plant fertilizer.eggshells can be used as an alternative for sand in

This is because eggshells contain calcium. Makingmaking hollow blocks because they contain Calcium

eggshell fertilizer is inexpensive and environmental-Carbonate that gives them hardness and strength

friendly, since the process reuses material to promote(Cecilia et al., 2008). To compare the effectiveness of

plant growth. Ground eggshells are effective limingpulverized eggshells and sand in making hollow blocks,

sources (John and Paul, 2006). Calcium raises, ora dry block from each mixture was dropped from a

neutralizes, the pH level of overly acidic soil. Most plants height of 2 feet. It was observed that the eggshell

prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0.block got a crack while the sand block broke into

A study revealed that red clover plants fertilized withpieces (Cecilia et al., 2008). This indicates that

eggshells grew at an average of more than 10 mmeggshells are more effective than sand. Therefore, use

larger than plants without eggshells (Plantingof eggshells can be used to reduce building

Science.org, 2011). Sanitized eggshells can be used toexpenses as well as reduce environmental pollution by

increase mineral content of compost and spread around recycling them.

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 10 (11): 908-912, 2011

910

Uses of shell membranes: The presence ofsupplementation with 500 mg/d of natural eggshell

hydroxyproline in hydrolysates of membrane layers ofmembrane for eight weeks produced a significant

eggshell membrane has been confirmed byreduction in pain and stiffness and improvement for

biochemical and immunological tests to consist offunction. This was attributed to the effect of collagen,

collagen (Wong et al., 1984). They primarily consist ofglucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid in the

type I, V and X collagen (Wong et al., 1984; Arias et al., eggshell membrane (Ruff et al., 2009). In medicine

1992). All the three kinds of collagen can be used incollagen is commercially sold as a joint mobility

various fields. Collagen is a type of protein, fibrous insupplement.

nature that connects and supports other bodily tissues,In the food industry, most of the applications that

such as skin, bone, tendons, muscles and cartilage. Itcollagen has is because when it is partly hydrolyzed, it

also supports the internal organs and is even present inproduces gelatin, which is a highly useful especially for

teeth. There are more than 25 types of collagens thatflavoring foods (Jamie, 2009). Gelatin has been used in

naturally occur in the body (Madison, 2011). Collagen isthe food industry as a thickening, emulsifying and jelling

one of the most plentiful proteins present in the bodiesagent. Nutritionally, both collagen and gelatin are of low

of mammals, including humans. It makes about 25protein quality; although some of the collagen based

percent of the total amount of proteins in the body.dietary supplements do improve quality of skin and

Collagen possesses great tensile strength andfinger nails (Meier, 2006). Skin is made of collagen and

functions in a manner that is very different from manyas we age, collagen production drops off and skin sags

other types of proteins. Collagen can be found bothbecause it gets thinner, weaker, drier and less resilient,

inside and outside of cells and fibers are important inor pliable. This deterioration is directly linked to amino

contributing to the external structure of cells. However,acid content. Specific amino acids in the skin’s structure,

they are present on the inside of some cells also. like glycine, proline, hydroproline and alanine decrease

Advances in biotechnology have led to new and quitewith age and bad diet.

revolutionary uses of collagen in both medicine andCollagen and health benefits associated with it have led

industry (Jamie, 2009). Collagens are widely andto establishment of collagen-supplements industry.

diversely used in cosmetics, biochemical andThese collagen supplements are meant to mainly

pharmaceutical industries (Ogawa et al., 2004).improve the skin appearance of their users and today's

Collagen used has been isolated mainly from bovinebeing the image-obsessed society, anything offering this

and swine skins and bones. After the outbreaks ofparticular promise is likely to be in high demand (Jamie,

bovine spongioform encephalopathy (mad cow2009). In 2008, a study in Tokyo with 33 women between

disease), foot and mouth disease, autoimmune and40-60 years old who took 10 g of hydrolyzed collagen

allergic reactions, restrictions on collagen trade fromdaily for 2 months showed a 91% increase in skin

these sources were enforced. Therefore, safe alternative hydration and resilience. Similarly, a study in France in

sources had to be explored (Devore et al., 2004).2008 with women 35-55 years old, showed 41% less

Eggshell membrane collagen has been proven to befurrowing, less wrinkles, more resilient and more

very low in autoimmune and allergic reactions as well as hydrated skin after 12 weeks of 10g hydrolyzed collagen

high in bio-safety (Long et al., 2004). It is of similardaily. The skin smoothness and hydration, was

characteristics to other mammalian collagen (Yu-Hongmeasured using the new Corneometer and Skin Image

and Yu-Jie, 2009) and is therefore an alternative forAnalyzer technologies while Skin resilience was

commercial applications in functional foods, cosmetics,measured by the ciliary and zonules (C and Z)

biochemical and pharmaceutical industries (Yu-HongCutometer. Metabolites of hydrolyzed collagen build

and Yu-Jie, 2009). Eggshell membrane collagen isbone, skin and ligaments by attracting fibroblasts that

extracted by acid-pepsin digestion and isolated by salttrigger the synthesis of new collagen (Posstlethwaite et

precipitation (Yu-Hong and Yu-Jie, 2009). al., 1978). Hydrolyzed collagen also increases the

Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin in supportingdiameter of collagen fibrils in the dermis by the same

the body’s tissues. Basically, it gives body tissues formmechanism of fibroblast stimulation. This in turn

and provides firmness and strength; elastin gives theincreases cohesion of the dermal collagen fibers

same body tissues much need flexibility. Thisthemselves. This action means increased thickness,

combination of collagen and elastin is very important insuppleness and resilience, as well as hydration.

many parts of the body, including, but not limited to, theHydration, or water content of skin tissue, is proven to be

lungs, bones and tendons (Madison, 2011). Even thedirectly related to overall smoothness and decreased

blood vessels rely on both collagen and elastin. Pilotfurrowing and wrinkling (Sumida and Hirota, 2004).

clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the safetyAnother area that is increasing worldwide demand for

and efficacy of natural eggshell membrane as ahydrolyzed collagen is the field of sports nutrition.

treatment for pain and inflexibility associated with jointCollagen can quickly boost lean muscle gain, decrease

and connective tissue disorders. It was reported thatrecovery time, rebuild damaged joint structures without

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 10 (11): 908-912, 2011

911

surgery and improve cardiovascular performance onConclusion: Eggshells/shell membranes have multiple

athletes. This is accomplished by collagen’s promotion

of natural creatine, an essential amino acid in new

muscle growth following workouts. Arginine within the

hydrolyzed collagen also promotes increased muscle

mass. Therefore, performing athletes and bodybuilders

find hydrolyzed collagen a clean source of collagen

protein for lean muscle gain, tendon and ligament

repair, fast recovery time and optimum performance.

In cancer patients, as cancer progresses, it often

destroys muscle tissue in a very aggressive fashion.

The muscles of the arms and legs seem to turn to limp

string, a condition referred to as cachexia. When cancer

patients use hydrolyzed collagen, a wide range of clinical

gains are demonstrated. First chronic arthritis

conditions, especially of shoulders and knees that had

been weak and painful, they become normal. For many

patients the skin thickens and tightens, soon after daily

supplementation begins and hair commonly thickens as

well. There is dramatic improvement in liver problems,

prostate problems, lung deficits and heart problems,

especially blood pressure with daily collagen doses.

When the physiology of these conditions is considered,

the body is being provided with the building blocks of its

own new collagen and therefore it prioritizes where the

collagen is needed most.

The oldest glue ever used, dated some 8000 years back

was collagen. Collagen is applied to hold utensils and

is also very useful for musical instruments like the violin

and guitars which have to be opened frequently for

repairs. Collagen on reheating can be softened easily

unlike the synthetic plastic adhesives which are

permanent. Collagen is used for cosmetic and burns

surgery (Meier, 2006; Jamie, 2009). Collagen is good for

construction of artificial skin substitutes for skin burns

and may be used with a mixture of fibroblasts, growth

factors, silicone and glycosaminoglycans. Before this

particular application of collagen became possible, it

was impossible to restore cosmetic appeal of fire

victims. They had to live the rest of their lives with the

absolute disfigurement a fire accident can cause and

the social disadvantage such disfigurement can mean

(Jamie, 2009). They would live with emotional pain from

the fire, long after the physical pain from the same had

healed. Through the use of collagen, it is possible to

produce quite impressive results with reconstructive

plastic surgery on former fire accident victims.

Sometimes the results make it impossible to know that

the victims had ever been involved in such an incident

(Jamie, 2009). Collagen is a good medical aid in

orthopedics and dentistry, where it is widely used as a

treatment aid, making possible procedures that were

absolutely impossible or even unthinkable before thethe internet on 30/09/2011.

advent of its use (Jamie, 2009). Collagen is also used

in the manufacture photography aids (especially the

variety that dominated before the advent of digital

photography).

uses as:

CA fertilizer supplying calcium and an amendment for

acidic soils.

CA remedy for osteoporosis and joint motility

ailments.

CA soil stabilizer for use as construction materials.

CA calcium supplement for hybrid layers in the late

production phase that increases egg production

and improves shell quality.

CIn artwork for production of mosaics and as glue in

musical instruments.

CIn cosmetics and burn surgery where it improves

skin appearance (plastic surgery).

CIn orthopedics and dentistry as a treatment aid.

CIn the treatment of cancer patients to boost muscle

gain and hair thickening

CIn sports nutrition to increase performance on

athletes

CIn food industry as a food flavour.

CIn photography for production of photography aids.

Implications: Eggshells from the hatcheries, fast food

industries and homes should not be disposed in a way

that pollutes the environment. In developing countries,

the communities should be sensitized on the many

uses of eggshells/shell membranes. Research should

be carried out to customize their utilization based on

locally developed technologies. Where the quantities

generated are not economical, the communities should

be encouraged to deliver them at collection points for

onward delivery to a central point where they can be

processed into the various products. This will create

employment, increase returns from poultry production,

make the products locally available presumably at lower

cost and minimize environmental pollution.

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Mar 2023
CATAL LETT

This work aimed the preparation of KF(20)CaOHC-Fe3O4/TiO2(400) and Ag@KF(20)CaOHC-Fe3O4/TiO2(400) as highly active magnetic solid base catalysts using waste chicken eggshells. Calcination–hydration–dehydration treatment was employed for the preparation of highly active CaO. This treatment increases the surface area of CaO as indicated by BET analysis. Also, from TGA analysis, it was inferred that Fe3O4/TiO2 composite increases the thermal stability of CaOHC. KF modification improves the basicity of CaO based magnetic catalysts due to the generation of KCaF3 as basic sites in the catalyst. The catalytic activity of KF(20)CaOHC-Fe3O4/TiO2(400) was investigated in the one-pot synthesis of tetrahydro-4H-chromenes. Moreover, the catalyst was found to be recyclable for five consecutive runs without much appreciable loss in its catalytic activity. Furthermore, Ag@KF(20)CaOHC-Fe3O4/TiO2(400) exhibited good catalytic activity toward the one-pot synthesis of benzopyranopyrimidines. Here, silver nanoparticles were found to be fruitful in improving the catalytic activity toward the synthesis of benzopyranopyrimidines. In addition, Ag@KF(20)CaOHC-Fe3O4/TiO2(400) shows good recyclability as inferred from XPS and XRD analysis. Moreover, the catalyst possesses high thermal stability and recyclability, and is magnetic in nature to be easily separated with the help of an external magnet. Graphical Abstract

Utilization of Chicken Eggshell Waste: A Potential Calcium Source for Incorporation into Vegetable Soup Mix

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2022

Calcium, an important mineral in bones, is widely available in the form of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in eggshells. However, tonnes of eggshells have been wasted every year all around the globe. The current work was aimed at valorizing the eggshell waste and incorporating it as an alternative Ca source for calcium deficient people. Soup mixes (named 1-5) were formulated by varying the ratio of starch (4-12 g) and vegetables (2-10 g) along with the constant quantity of mushroom and eggshell powder. The formulated soup mix was assessed for physiochemical properties and proximate analysis. The results showed that the soup mix 4 with 4 g vegetables, 10 g corn starch, 1 g onion, and garlic, 2 g salt and sugar, 2 g mushroom, and 1 g eggshell powder was found similar to the commercial soup mix along with 3069.095 mg/kg calcium content which meets individuals' RDA requirement. The results suggest that the formulated soup mix can act as a proper preload for all individuals and is used as a supplement for commercial calcium foods. Further research is required to increase the soup's acceptability, its bioavailability, and shelf stability.

Nature-Inspired Material - A Step Ahead Dental Materials

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2021

Tomasz Kupka

Glass-ionomer is first choice widely used biomaterial in caries disease. The evolution of dental material science includes insertion of new components into conventional material. A literature-based review outline of biomaterials for dental restorations development was presented in nature-inspired context. This article is a tribute to the entire research community, for all listed and unlisted, involved throughout the ages in the science of dental materials with the key inventions and milestones for humanity well-being on Earth. Results. Since the Neolithic, the human mind has been seeking for a matter to replace missing tooth tissue imitating/mimicking natural organ in appearance and function, what we call biomimetic/biomimicry approach. However, this restoring philosophy does not refer to the natural composition of hard tooth tissues. Possibly, there is another one concept of drawing inspiration from nature for the design of future dental materials. Nature-inspired synthesis goes beyond aesthetic/and anatomical similarities, and delves into the mechanistic, physico-chemical features or structure-phase of natural systems. In this context, pure glass-ionomer might be taken into consideration as a starting material. However, the search for synthetic nature-inspired mesomaterial with a structural-phase composition analogous to enamel/dentine/cementum, transforming into the original host hard tissues, should focus on elongated hydroxyapatite dipole control for creating and organizing into enamel prisms, and the interwoven alignment of perpendicular clusters/bunches in a picket-fence resembling three-dimensional order. The results of previous studies confirming the possibility of the formation of apatite-enamel-like tissue in glass-ionomer are promising. The concept of inclusion of calcium phosphate nanocrystals/substitution of glass filler seems to be forward-looking. The future role of polyelectrolyte organic matrix based on synthetic tooth polypeptides crosslinked with modified analogues of natural adhesives is still undiscovered.

The effectiveness of polypeptides from phosvitin and eggshell membrane in enhancing the bioavailability of eggshell powder calcium and its accumulation in bones

Article

Nov 2022

The low-calcium-specific pathogen-free C57BL/6 (SPF–C57BL/6) mice were used to explore the effectiveness of phosvitin phosphopeptides (PPPs) and eggshell membrane peptides (EMPs) in improving the intestinal calcium absorption and promoting bone deposition of eggshell calcium (ESCa). Intake of ESCa + PPPs + EMPs significantly down regulated the abnormal elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) induced by calcium deficiency. The CaCO3 group had lower calcium absorption rate (34.34%) and femur bone mineral density (BMD) (0.13 g/cm³), while the ESCa + PPPs + EMPs treatment significantly improved calcium absorption rate (55.01%) and femur BMD (0.15 g/cm³). The three-dimensional reconstruction images of mice femur showed that the ESCa + PPPs + EMPs group had a more complete, compact, and thicker trabecular structure than the low-calcium, CaCO3, and ESCa groups. These results indicated that the ESCa is a low-cost alternative calcium supplement to achieve adequate calcium intake, and the presence of polypeptides, such as PPPs and EMPs, is more beneficial to calcium absorption and deposition than the ESCa.

HEN EGGSHELL WASTE AS FERTILIZER FOR THE GROWTH OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS (COW PEA SEEDS)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2023

Everyday huge quantity of eggshells is generated as bio-waste around the globe. Eggshell waste disposal contributes to environment pollution and also the disposal includes cost, availability of disposal sites. Odour of eggshell provides site for flies and abrasiveness. Eggshells are waste materials collected from house. They were collected, purified and powdered by mixer. Eggshell powder was used as a fertilizer for growth of cow pea plants. Further, the experiment was carried out to measure the effects of eggshell on plant growth. Five groups of six pots were filled with the same amount of soil and 25 seeds were planted in an each of the pots. Each group had different amounts of eggshell mixed in with the soil: without eggshell(control), 2g, 4 g, 6 g, 8 g and 10 g. As they grow, the plants were watered with the same amount of water and the experiment was conducted over a period of 20 days. After the period of 20 days, the plant growth with shoot and root length was measured. The plant leafs were collected to measure the weight and to analyse the biochemical constituents present in it like chlorophyll, free amino acid, total protein and total phenols. As a result of this study there was an increase in biochemical constituents from A1-A5 pots than control pot. So we can conclude that a small amount of eggshell enhances the growth of cow pea plants. It also increases the nutritional intake of plants. The purpose of this particular project is to use eggshell in different application like fertilizer and reduce the pollution in the globe.

Effect of Eggshell Wastes from Different Bird Species on Growth and Yield of Peanut

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2022

Eggshell wastes from various bird species may be used as an alternative calcium source for peanut production. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of eggshell waste from chicken, duck and quail on the growth and yield of peanut. Five treatments consisting of no gypsum control, three eggshell wastes from chicken, duck and quail, and commercial gypsum were laid out in completely randomized design with four replications during December 2020 to April 2021. Peanut variety KK 6 was planted in cement plots. Gypsum and eggshell wastes were applied at the rate of 312.5 kg/ha at 25 days after planting. Data were collected for growth parameters, pod yield and yield components at harvest. Analysis of variance was performed for all parameters, and means were separated by least significant difference at the 0.01 probability level. Eggshell wastes from chicken, duck and quail did not show significant effects for leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, total dry weight and 100 seed weight, but they significantly increased pod dry weight, seed yield, filled seed, shelling percentage and harvest index. All eggshell wastes produced higher growth and yield of peanut than commercial gypsum. Eggshell waste from duck seemed to be better than the other sources in terms of yield increase in KK 6 peanut.

Effect of common salt on some engineering properties of eggshell stabilized lateritic soil

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2010

This paper studied the effect of common salt on the compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) properties of eggshell stabilized lateritic soils with a view of obtaining a good compliment for eggshell as a useful stabilizer for road works. Classification and consistency tests were performed on the soil samples which were also subjected to compaction and CBR tests. Stabilization was performed at optimum eggshell and with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% of common salt. The addition of common salt reduced the Plastic Indices (PI) of the samples. The values reduced from 14.82, 11.11 and 7.99% to 8.03, 1.25 and 1.23% in samples A, B and C respectively. Maximum Dry Density (MDD) increased from 1995 to 2140 kg/m3 and 2000 to 2110 kg/m3 in samples B and C respectively. The unsoaked CBR values also increased from 34.78 to 50.99 kN/m2, 15.64 to 28.89 kN/m2 and 27.31 to 34.20 kN/m2 at optimum stabilization in samples A, B and C respectively. The result showed that the addition of common salt improved the compaction and CBR characteristics of eggshell stabilized soils. © 2006-2010 Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN). All rights reserved.

Eggshell membrane: A possible new natural therapeutic for joint and connective tissue disorders. Results from two open-label human clinical studies

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2009
Clin Interv Aging

Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) is a novel dietary supplement that contains naturally occurring glycosaminoglycans and proteins essential for maintaining healthy joint and connective tissues. Two single center, open-label human clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NEM as a treatment for pain and inflexibility associated with joint and connective tissue disorders. Eleven (single-arm trial) and 28 (double-arm trial) patients received oral NEM 500 mg once daily for four weeks. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate the change in general pain associated with the treatment joints/areas (both studies). In the single-arm trial, range of motion (ROM) and related ROM-associated pain was also evaluated. The primary treatment response endpoints were at seven and 30 days. Both clinical assessments were performed on the intent-to-treat (ITT) population within each study. Single-arm trial: Supplementation with NEM produced a significant treatment response at seven days for flexibility (27.8% increase; P = 0.038) and at 30 days for general pain (72.5% reduction; P = 0.007), flexibility (43.7% increase; P = 0.006), and ROM-associated pain (75.9% reduction; P = 0.021). Double-arm trial: Supplementation with NEM produced a significant treatment response for pain at seven days for both treatment arms (X: 18.4% reduction; P = 0.021. Y: 31.3% reduction; P = 0.014). There was no clinically meaningful difference between treatment arms at seven days, so the Y arm crossed over to the X formulation for the remainder of the study. The significant treatment response continued through 30 days for pain (30.2% reduction; P = 0.0001). There were no adverse events reported during either study and the treatment was reported to be well tolerated by study participants. Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) is a possible new effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of pain and inflexibility associated with joint and connective tissue (JCT) disorders. Supplementation with NEM, 500 mg taken once daily, significantly reduced pain, both rapidly (seven days) and continuously (30 days). It also showed clinically meaningful results from a brief responder analysis, demonstrating that significant proportions of treated patients may be helped considerably from NEM supplementation. The Clinical Trial Registration numbers for these trials are: NCT00750230 and NCT00750854.

Positive effects of a chicken eggshell powder-enriched vitamin–mineral supplement on femoral neck bone mineral density in healthy late post-menopausal Dutch women

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2002

Although bone metabolism is largely under genetic control, the role of nutrition is considerable. The present study evaluates the effects of chicken eggshell powder, a new source of dietary Ca, and purified CaCO3 on bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and hip. Besides BMD we also looked at biochemical markers of bone and Ca metabolism. Both Ca sources were provided in combination with minerals and vitamins including Mg, cholecalciferol and phylloquinone. We designed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to take place over 12 months. Healthy Caucasian women (n 85), selected by age (> or =50 and <70 years), from the databases of general practitioners were recruited by telephone calls. They had to be at least 5 years post-menopausal, with lumbar spine T-score being > - 2.5. At baseline, their mean habitual daily Ca intake was adequate. The women were randomly allocated to: eggshell powder-enriched (group A; n 24), purified CaCO3-enriched (group B; n 22), or a placebo product (group C; n 27). BMD was measured at baseline and then after 6 and 12 months of supplementation as were the biochemical markers bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, amino-terminal propeptide extension of type I collagen, deoxypyridinoline, calcitonin, intact parathyroid hormone, calcidiol, and urinary Ca. After 12 months of supplementation, only mean BMD of the femoral neck in group A was significantly increased (P=0.014) by 1.75% (95% CI 0.18, 3.32) compared with a decrease of -0.60% (95% CI -1.92, 0.72) in group C. This increase coincided with significant decreases in markers of bone resorption and formation. No significant changes were seen in BMD at other sites, including lumbar spine, nor in groups B and C. No differences were found between groups A and B, or B and C. The present study indicates that healthy late post-menopausal women with an adequate Ca intake at baseline may increase BMD of the hip within 12 months following supplementation with the chicken eggshell powder-enriched supplement.

Effect of Eggshell Powder on the Stabilizing Potential of Lime on an Expansive Clay Soil

Article

Jan 2001

Olugbenga Amu

The effect of oral ingestion of collagen peptide on skin hydration and biochemical data of blood

Article

Jan 2004

Suitability of Eggshell Stabilized Lateritic Soil as Subgrade Material for Road Construction

Article

Jan 2011

Eggshell powder has not been used as a stabilizing material in most parts of the world. However, it could be a replacement for other types of stabilization. This study is aimed at determining the geotechnical properties of eggshell stabilized lateritic soil with a view to determining its suitability as stabilizing agent for lateritic soil. Laboratory tests were carried out on eggshell stabilized lateritic soil and Cement stabilized lateritic soil in line with BS 1377 (1990). Cement stabilized lateritic soil served as control experiment. The results of Atterberg limits, California Bearing Ratio and compaction tests indicate that eggshell-stabilized lateritic soil at 8% have similar engineering properties with Cement-stabilized lateritic soil at 2%. Though from this study, eggshell powder mixed with lateritic soil has been found to possess low binding properties, it can be used to significantly improve the strength of soil to be used as a subgrade where very high performance is not necessary. It could serve as a fair replacement for use as stabilizers for subgrade but not for base and subbase. The capacity as a stabilizer does not meet the minimum requirement for use as base and subbase materials for road construction.

Partial biochemical and immunological characterization of avian eggshell extracellular matrices

Article

Nov 1992

There is evidence to suggest that extracellular matrix molecules, such as proteoglycans, are involved in the regulation of mineral deposition in calcifying tissues. One mineralizing system which is characterized by extremely rapid mineralization is the hen eggshell. This eggshell consists of a pair of nonmineralized eggshell membranes subjacent to the calcified eggshell proper; the eggshell proper is organized into palisades (columns) of mineralized matrix separated by pores. Between the membranes and the shell proper are compacted foci of tissue called mammillary knobs, which are thought to be sites where mineralization is initiated. Previous work from this laboratory has shown the presence of types I, V, and X collagen in the shell membranes. To address the question of the possible role of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in mineralization of the eggshell, two approaches were used. First, immunohistochemistry was performed with monoclonal antibodies to various proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan epitopes. This analysis indicates that different glycosaminoglycans are localized to discrete regions within the eggshell. Dermatan sulfate is present within the matrix of the shell proper and, to a lesser extent, the mammillary knobs and the outer portion of the shell membranes. In contrast, keratan sulfate is found in the shell membranes and prominently in the mammillary knobs. Interestingly, different keratan sulfate antibodies immunostain distinct regions of the eggshell, which suggests that various types of keratan sulfate are distributed differently. The second approach utilized was to extract the eggshell membranes and recover anionic molecules by anion-exchange chromatography. This resulted in the extraction of material which was recognized by antibodies to keratan sulfate, but not to chondroitin sulfate. This material was very large, as evidenced by its elution in the void volume of a Sepharose CL-2B column. The large size may be due to the extensive cross-links known to occur in the eggshell. If eggshell membranes are extracted at elevated temperature, the material recovered is of much smaller size. These results indicate that molecules recognized by antibodies to glycosaminoglycans are present in the eggshell, and their localized distribution relative to the calcified matrix suggests that they may be involved in the regulation of mineral deposition.

Effect of Egg Shell Powder on the Stabilising Potential of Lime on an Expansive Clay Soil

Article

Jan 2005

This research was meant to study the effect of Eggshell Powder (ESP) on the stabilizing potential of lime on an expansive clay soil. Tests were carried out to determine the optimal quantity of lime and the optimal percentage of lime-ESP combination; the optimal quantity of lime was gradually replaced with suitable amount of eggshell powder. The lime stabilized and lime-ESP stabilized mixtures were subjected to engineering tests. The optimal percentage of lime-ESP combination was attained at a 4% ESP + 3% lime, which served as a control. Results of the Maximum Dry Density (MDD), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compression test and Undrained triaxial shear strength test all indicated that lime stabilization at 7% is better than the combination of 4% ESP + 3% lime.

Characterization of Collagen from Eggshell Membrane

Article

Feb 2009

Collagen was extracted by acid-pepsin digestion and isolated by salt precipitation from eggshell membrane. The characteristics of eggshell membrane collagen were investigated with amino acid analysis, sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The amino acid composition of the eggshell membrane collagen is rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Electrophoresis revealed two different α (α1 and α2) chains. FTIR showed regions of amides A, B, I, II and III were 3325, 2926, 1653, 1550 and 1240 cm-1, respectively. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry revealed that thermal denaturation temperature of eggshell membrane collagen was 55.10°C and collagen of eggshell membrane retains intermolecular crosslinks after extraction process. Collagen of eggshell membrane was typical type I collagen and may be applicable to variety of usage including functional food, cosmetic, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.

Collagen in the egg shell membranes of the hen

Article

Aug 1984

Collagen-like proteins have been found in the egg shell membranes of the hen. Materials similar to types I and V collagens were detected in each of the two layers of this membrane, the thick outer membrane and the thin inner membrane. Collagen was extracted by acid-pepsin digestion and isolated by differential salt precipitation. Identification of type-specific collagen-like material was established by coelectrophoresis on SDS-polyacrylamide gels using known collagen standards. These bands were susceptible to digestion by bacterial collagenase. From differential staining of the gels it was estimated that the ratio of collagen types I:V was approximately 100:1. Further confirmation of these biochemical results was obtained with immunofluorescence microscopy using type-specific antisera against chicken types I and V collagen with the indirect sandwich technique. Both the inner and outer shell membranes contained the two types of collagen. Within each membrane, the large, coarse 2.5-micron fibers contained predominantly type I collagen-like material, while type V collagen was mainly associated with the delicate narrower fibers of approximately 0.6-micron diameter. These tended to be concentrated in the inner membrane. At the electron microscopic level, both types of fibers were coated with glycoproteins that stained positively with ruthenium red. The deposition of these collagen-like substances by the hen oviduct on to the surface of the developing egg is an additional example of interstitial-type collagen synthesis and secretion by epithelial rather than by mesenchymal cells.

A Review of the uses of poultry eggshells and shell membranes

Abstract

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