Lactoferrin, a unique molecule with diverse therapeutical and nanotechnological applications

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules Vol. 164; pp. 1046 - 1060
• Main Authors: Sabra, Sally, Agwa, Mona M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.12.2020
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-cancer; Anti-inflammatory; 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; Glioma - drug therapy; Humans; Lactoferrin; Lactoferrin - chemistry; Mice; Micelles; Nanoparticles; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanotechnology - methods; Particle Size; Review; Nanoparticles; Lactoferrin; Anti-cancer; Glioma; Anti-inflammatory; Micelles
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.167

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. [Display omitted]