Lactoferrin, a unique molecule with diverse therapeutical and nanotechnological applications

Int J Biol Macromol. 2020 Dec 1:164:1046-1060. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.167. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a naturally glycoprotein with iron-binding properties and diverse biological applications including; antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer and immune stimulating effects. In addition, LF was found to be an ideal nanocarrier for some hydrophobic therapeutics because of its active targeting potential due to overexpression of its receptor on the surface of many cells. Moreover, it was proven to be a good candidate for fabrication of nanocarriers to specifically deliver drugs in case of brain tumors owing to the capability of LF to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). Consequently, it seems to be a promising molecule with multiple applications in the field of cancer therapy and nanomedicine.

Keywords: Anti-cancer; Anti-inflammatory; Glioma; Lactoferrin; Micelles; Nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lactoferrin / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Micelles
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Drug Carriers
  • Micelles
  • Lactoferrin