Electrochemical biosensors for lactoferrin

Lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional glycoprotein, plays a crucial role in immune defense, iron homeostasis, and antimicrobial activity. Given its significance as a biomarker for infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancer, accurate and rapid detection of Lf is essential in clinical diagnostics and food safety. Traditional detection methods, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography, provide high sensitivity but are often labor-intensive and costly. Electrochemical biosensors have emerged as a promising alternative due to their rapid response time, high sensitivity, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors leverage advanced electrode materials, including nanomaterials and biomolecular recognition elements, to enhance Lf detection. This review explores the principles, advancements, and challenges in electrochemical biosensors for Lf detection, highlighting their potential for clinical and industrial applications.