Application Progress of Lactoferrin in Biomedicine

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Biologics and Biosimilars".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 1262

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Ocular Surface and Translational Research Lab, Ophthalmology Unit, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Interests: dry eye disease; ocular surface disorders; diagnostic biomarkers; microfluidic assay; in vitro & in vivo experimental models; lactoferrin
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Guest Editor
Materials Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, 20125 Milan, Italy
Interests: proteomics; lactoferrin

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lactoferrin (Lf), also known as lactotransferrin, is a nonheme iron-binding protein that belongs to the transferrin family. This multifunctional glycoprotein is secreted by exocrine glands and neutrophils, and has been reported to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumoral properties, as well as an immunomodulatory role. It is present in several different body fluids, including tears, saliva, milk, and mucosal secretions. Recent studies suggest that alterations of Lf concentration, conformation, and activity represent good biomarker candidates for the diagnosis of different diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and dry eye disease.

The present Special Issue aims to provide some of the latest most significant applications in the biomedical field of this protein.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the physicochemical characterization of Lf, in relation to its application against oxidative stress, inflammation, cancer, and viral and bacterial infections. The development of detection methods for rapid and accurate characterization of Lf should be considered.

Both original research papers and review articles on Lf are welcome.

Dr. Piera Versura
Dr. Erika Ponzini
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • lactoferrin
  • bacterial activity
  • viral activity
  • iron binding
  • iron homeostasis
  • immunomodulation
  • antiviral activity
  • antibacterial activity
  • antioxidant activity
  • antitumoral property

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

17 pages, 2761 KiB  
Review
Development, Optimization, and Clinical Relevance of Lactoferrin Delivery Systems: A Focus on Ocular Delivery
by Erika Ponzini, Gloria Astolfi, Rita Grandori, Silvia Tavazzi and Piera Versura
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060804 - 14 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1035
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional protein found abundantly in secretions, including tears, plays a crucial role in ocular health through its antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Advanced delivery systems are desirable to fully leverage its therapeutic potential in treating ocular diseases. The process [...] Read more.
Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional protein found abundantly in secretions, including tears, plays a crucial role in ocular health through its antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Advanced delivery systems are desirable to fully leverage its therapeutic potential in treating ocular diseases. The process of Lf quantification for diagnostic purposes underscores the importance of developing reliable, cost-effective detection methods, ranging from conventional techniques to advanced nano-based sensors. Despite the ease and non-invasiveness of topical administration for ocular surface diseases, challenges such as rapid drug elimination necessitate innovations, such as Lf-loaded contact lenses and biodegradable polymeric nanocapsules, to enhance drug stability and bioavailability. Furthermore, overcoming ocular barriers for the treatment of posterior segment disease calls for nano-formulations. The scope of this review is to underline the advancements in nanotechnology-based Lf delivery methods, emphasizing the pivotal role of multidisciplinary approaches and cross-field strategies in improving ocular drug delivery and achieving better therapeutic outcomes for a wide spectrum of eye conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application Progress of Lactoferrin in Biomedicine)
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