Lactoferrin research, technology and applications

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in milk as well as other exocrine secretions and neutrophil granules in mammals. Lactoferrin is considered to be an important host defense molecule and has a diverse range of physiological functions such as antimicrobial/antiviral activities, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant activity. During the past decade, it has become evident that oral administration of lactoferrin exerts several beneficial effects on the health of humans and animals, including anti-infective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. This has enlarged the application potential of lactoferrin as a food additive. The technology of producing bovine lactoferrin on a factory scale was established over 20 years ago. Bovine lactoferrin is purified by cation-exchange chromatography from bovine skim milk or whey, and is commercially available from several suppliers. Recombinant human lactoferrin is produced by Aspergillus niger, transgenic cows, and rice, and its efficacy is being evaluated. In this article, we review basic research and technological aspects of the application of lactoferrin.