Targeting cancer with lactoferrin nanoparticles: recent advances

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein with microbicidal and immune-modulating properties.
• Its cell surface receptor interactions enable internalization and versatile targeting of disease cells.
• Lactoferrin's properties make it a promising ligand for targeted delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the composition and performance of lactoferrin-based drug delivery systems.
• To highlight the use of lactoferrin as a targeting agent in cancer therapy.
• To explore the potential of lactoferrin nanoparticles in various disease treatments.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on lactoferrin-based nano- and microcomposite delivery systems.
• Analysis of studies utilizing lactoferrin conjugation or adsorption for cell targeting.
• Evaluation of drug-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles' functional efficiency in disease models.

Main Results:

• Lactoferrin can be conjugated or adsorbed onto nano- and microcomposites for targeted delivery.
• Lactoferrin itself is being explored as a medium for loading therapeutic agents.
• Drug-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles show functional efficiency in various diseases, including cancer.

Conclusions:

• Lactoferrin is a versatile targeting ligand for disease-bearing cells.
• Lactoferrin-based nanoparticles offer a promising approach for targeted drug delivery.
• Further development of lactoferrin delivery systems holds significant therapeutic potential, especially in oncology.