Nanoformulation of lactoferrin potentiates its activity and enhances novel biotechnological applications

Molecular Docking of Lactoferrin with Apoptosis-Related Proteins Insights into Its Anticancer Mechanism

Human Lactoferrin (hLf), a multifunctional glycoprotein, has been analyzed through molecular docking to evaluate its role in apoptosis regulation and its potential as an anticancer agent. The docking results highlight XIAP (X-linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein) and Caspase-3 as the most reliable targets, where hLf disrupts XIAP's inhibition of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, potentially restoring apoptotic signaling; hLf also stabilizes Caspase-3, enhancing its activation in intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Weaker interactions were observed with Fas, Bcl-2, and Akt. hLf's role in Fas signaling is likely due to expression upregulation rather than direct binding. In contrast, its binding to Bcl-2 may disrupt anti-apoptotic function, and its interaction with Akt suggests interference with pro-survival signaling. These findings suggest that hLf may promote apoptosis by enhancing caspase activation and modulating key apoptotic regulators, supporting its potential use in cancer treatment. However, further experimental validation is needed to confirm these interactions and their therapeutic implications.

Chemopreventive effect of Pistacia vera leaf extract against mammary carcinoma induced by dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene in vivo and in vitro: Potential role of antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immune mechanisms

This study aimed to define the antitumor effect of ethanolic extract of Pistacia vera leaves (PEE) toward breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo using dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast tumor in adult female rats. PEE showed a potent antioxidant effect toward both DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radicals with IC50 values of 72.6 and 107.4 μg/mL, respectively. PEE exerted its cytotoxicity in dose-dependent manners with favorable selectivity toward MCF-7 and MDA cancer cells, sparing normal WI-38 cells. Through considerable decreases in blood CA15.3, CEA, CA19.9, TNF-α, IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, as well as mammary MDA and NO levels, PEE administration effectively improved the damage caused by breast cancer. Additionally, PEE exhibited remarkable increasing in mammary GSH content, GPx, SOD and CAT activities. The histopathological findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of PEE that successfully improved the mammary gland alterations induced by DMBA and aborted cancer development. PEE has shown intriguing potential as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drug by targeting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators, which has helped to successfully treat malignancies in clinical settings. Collectively, our findings support chemo-preventive potential of PEE against DMBA-induced breast tumor in rats via enhancing apoptosis and immune response.

Development, Optimization, and Clinical Relevance of Lactoferrin Delivery Systems: A Focus on Ocular Delivery

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.

The use of proteins and peptides-based therapy in managing and preventing pathogenic viruses

Therapeutic proteins have been employed for centuries and reached approximately 50 % of all drugs investigated. By 2023, they represented one of the top 10 largest-selling pharma products ($387.03 billion) and are anticipated to reach around $653.35 billion by 2030. Growth hormones, insulin, and interferon (IFN α, γ, and β) are among the leading applied therapeutic proteins with a higher market share. Protein-based therapies have opened new opportunities to control various diseases, including metabolic disorders, tumors, and viral outbreaks. Advanced recombinant DNA biotechnology has offered the production of therapeutic proteins and peptides for vaccination, drugs, and diagnostic tools. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression host systems, including bacterial, fungal, animal, mammalian, and plant cells usually applied for recombinant therapeutic proteins large-scale production. However, several limitations face therapeutic protein production and applications at the commercial level, including immunogenicity, integrity concerns, protein stability, and protein degradation under different circumstances. In this regard, protein-engineering strategies such as PEGylation, glycol-engineering, Fc-fusion, albumin conjugation, and fusion, assist in increasing targeting, product purity, production yield, functionality, and the half-life of therapeutic protein circulation. Therefore, a comprehensive insight into therapeutic protein research and findings pave the way for their successful implementation, which will be discussed in the current review.

Therapeutic potential of lactoferrin-coated iron oxide nanospheres for targeted hyperthermia in gastric cancer

Lactoferrin (LF) is a non-heme iron-binding glycoprotein involved in the transport of iron in blood plasma. In addition, it has many biological functions, including antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and, importantly, antitumor properties. In this study, we have investigated the potential of employing lactoferrin-iron oxide nanoparticles (LF-IONPs) as a treatment modality for gastric cancer. The study confirms the formation of LF-IONPs with a spherical shape and an average size of 5 ± 2 nm, embedded within the protein matrix. FTIR and Raman analysis revealed that the Fe-O bond stabilized the protein particle interactions. Further, we conducted hyperthermia studies to ascertain whether the proposed composite can generate a sufficient rise in temperature at a low frequency. The results confirmed that we can achieve a temperature rise of about 7 °C at 242.4 kHz, which can be further harnessed for gastric cancer treatment. The particles were further tested for their anti-cancer activity on AGS cells, with and without hyperthermia. Results indicate that LF-IONPs (10 µg/ml) significantly enhance cytotoxicity, resulting in the demise of 67.75 ± 5.2% of cells post hyperthermia, while also exhibiting an inhibitory effect on cell migration compared to control cells, with the most inhibition observed after 36 h of treatment. These findings suggest the potential of LF-IONPs in targeted hyperthermia treatment of gastric cancer.

Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of – 20.25 ± 0.35 and – 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase “RdRp” activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19.

Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of - 20.25 ± 0.35 and - 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase "RdRp" activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19.

Bovine Lactoferrin-Loaded Plasmonic Magnetoliposomes for Antifungal Therapeutic Applications

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a milk-derived protein that exhibits potent broad-spectrum antifungal activity against multiple fungi. bLf is susceptible to degradation, while some of its properties depend on the tertiary structure. So, the encapsulation of bLf in stimuli-responsive therapeutic formulations provides an added value to enhance its biological activities. Plasmonic magnetoliposomes (PMLs) arise as promising nanocarriers for dual hyperthermia (magneto-photothermia) and local chemotherapy, since the combination of magnetic and gold nanoparticles (NPs) in a single nanosystem (multifunctional liposomes) enables the targeting and controlled release of loaded drugs. In this work, plasmonic magnetoliposomes (PMLs) containing manganese ferrite nanoparticles (28 nm size) and gold nanoparticles (5-7.5 nm size), functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid or octadecanethiol, were prepared and loaded with bLf. The NPs' optical, magnetic and structural properties were measured via UV/vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy, SQUID and TEM, respectively. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was calculated to assess the capabilities for magnetic and photothermal hyperthermia. Finally, the antifungal potential of bLf-loaded PMLs and their mechanism of internalization were assessed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by counting the colony forming units and using fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrate that PMLs are mainly internalized through an energy- and temperature-dependent endocytic process, though the contribution of a diffusion component cannot be discarded. Most notably, only bLf-loaded plasmonic magnetoliposomes display cytotoxicity with an efficiency similar to free bLf, attesting their promising potential for bLf delivery in the context of antifungal therapeutic interventions.

Inhibitory effect of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry along with improvement of lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global challenge caused by a pandemic disease, named 'COVID-19' with no effective and selective therapy available so far. COVID-19-associated mortality is directly related to the inability to suppress the viral infection and the uncontrolled inflammatory response. So, we investigated the antiviral efficiency of the nanofabricated and well-characterized lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells. Lf-Zn-NPs showed potent inhibition of the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells by inhibition of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. This inhibitory activity of Lf-Zn-NPs to target the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE2 receptor offers potent protection against COVID-19 outbreaks. Moreover, the administration of Lf-Zn-NPs markedly improved lung fibrosis disorders, as supported by histopathological findings and monitored by the significant reduction in the values of CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer, with a remarkable rise in CD4+, lung SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels. Lf-Zn-NPs revealed therapeutic efficiency against lung fibrosis owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ACE2-inhibiting activities. These findings suggest a promising nanomedicine agent against COVID-19 and its complications, with improved antiviral and immunomodulatory properties as well as a safer mode of action.

Anticancer activity of lactoferrin-coated biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles for combating different human cancer cells via mediating apoptotic effects

The present study aims to develop a novel nanocombination with high selectivity against several invasive cancer cells, sparing normal cells and tissues. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has recently captured the interest of numerous medical fields owing to its biological activities and well-known immunomodulatory effects. BLF is an ideal protein to be encapsulated or adsorbed into selenium nanocomposites (Se NPs) in order to produce stable nanocombinations with potent anticancer effects and improved immunological functions. The biosynthesis of the functionalized Se NPs was achieved using Rhodotorula sp. strain MZ312359 via a simultaneous bio-reduction approach to selenium sodium salts. The physicochemical properties of Se NPs using SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV Vis, XRD, and EDX confirmed the formation of uniform agglomerated spheres with a size of 18-40 nm. Se NPs were successfully embedded in apo-LF (ALF), forming a novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs with a spherical shape and an average nanosize of less than 200 nm. The developed ALF-Se NPs significantly displayed an effective anti-proliferation efficiency against many cancer cells, including MCF-7, HepG-2, and Caco-2 cell lines, as compared to Se NPs and ALF in free forms. ALF-Se NPs showed a significant selectivity impact (> 64) against all treated cancer cells at IC50 63.10 ≤ μg/mL, as well as the strongest upregulation of p53 and suppression of Bcl-2, MMP-9, and VEGF genes. Besides, ALF-Se NPs were able to show the maximum activation of transcrition of key redox mediator (Nrf2) with suppression in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels inside all treated cancer cells. This study demonstrates that this novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs has superior selectivity and apoptosis-mediating anticancer activity over free ALF or individual form of Se NPs.

Lactoferrin: Antimicrobial impacts, genomic guardian, therapeutic uses and clinical significance for humans and animals

Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein found in several bodily fluids, such as milk. This protein has a diverse range of functions and is evolutionarily conserved. Lactoferrin is a multifunction protein with distinct biological abilities affecting mammals' immune structures. Reports indicated that the daily uptake of LF from dairy products is unsatisfactory in detecting further health-promoting abilities. Research has shown that it protects against infection, mitigates cellular senescence, and improves nutritional quality. Additionally, LF is being studied as a potential treatment for various diseases and conditions, including gastrointestinal issues and infections. Studies have also demonstrated its effectiveness against various viruses and bacteria. In this article, we'll look closer at the structure of LF and its various biological activities, including its antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-osteoporotic, detoxifying, and immunomodulatory properties. More specifically, the protective effect of LF against oxidative DNA damage was also clarified through its ability to abolish DNA damaging issues without interfacing with host genetic material. Fortification with LF protects mitochondria dysfunction syndromes via sustaining redox status and biogenesis and suppressing apoptosis and autophagy singling. Additionally, we'll examine the potential benefits of lactoferrin and provide an overview of recent clinical trials conducted to examine its use in laboratory and living models.

Time to Kill and Time to Heal: The Multifaceted Role of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin in Host Defense

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in most human exocrine fluids, particularly breast milk. Lactoferrin is also released from neutrophil granules, and its concentration increases rapidly at the site of inflammation. Immune cells of both the innate and the adaptive immune system express receptors for lactoferrin to modulate their functions in response to it. On the basis of these interactions, lactoferrin plays many roles in host defense, ranging from augmenting or calming inflammatory pathways to direct killing of pathogens. Complex biological activities of lactoferrin are determined by its ability to sequester iron and by its highly basic N-terminus, via which lactoferrin binds to a plethora of negatively charged surfaces of microorganisms and viruses, as well as to mammalian cells, both normal and cancerous. Proteolytic cleavage of lactoferrin in the digestive tract generates smaller peptides, such as N-terminally derived lactoferricin. Lactoferricin shares some of the properties of lactoferrin, but also exhibits unique characteristics and functions. In this review, we discuss the structure, functions, and potential therapeutic uses of lactoferrin, lactoferricin, and other lactoferrin-derived bioactive peptides in treating various infections and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we summarize clinical trials examining the effect of lactoferrin supplementation in disease treatment, with a special focus on its potential use in treating COVID-19.

Current and future interventions for improving poultry health and poultry food safety and security: A comprehensive review

Poultry is thriving across the globe. Chicken meat is the most preferred poultry worldwide, and its popularity is increasing. However, poultry also threatens human hygiene, especially as a fomite of infectious diseases caused by the major foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria). Preventing pathogenic bacterial biofilm is crucial in the chicken industry due to increasing food safety hazards caused by recurring contamination and the rapid degradation of meat, as well as the increased resistance of bacteria to cleaning and disinfection procedures commonly used in chicken processing plants. To address this, various innovative and promising strategies to combat bacterial resistance and biofilm are emerging to improve food safety and quality and extend shelf-life. In particular, natural compounds are attractive because of their potential antimicrobial activities. Natural compounds can also boost the immune system and improve poultry health and performance. In addition to phytochemicals, bacteriophages, nanoparticles, coatings, enzymes, and probiotics represent unique and environmentally friendly strategies in the poultry processing industry to prevent foodborne pathogens from reaching the consumer. Lactoferrin, bacteriocin, antimicrobial peptides, cell-free supernatants, and biosurfactants are also of considerable interest for their prospective application as natural antimicrobials for improving the safety of raw poultry meat. This review aims to describe the feasibility of these proposed strategies and provide an overview of recent published evidences to control microorganisms in the poultry industry, considering the human health, food safety, and economic aspects of poultry production.

Lactoferrin as a Component of Pharmaceutical Preparations: An Experimental Focus

Lactoferrin is an 80 kDa monomeric glycoprotein that exhibits multitask activities. Lactoferrin properties are of interest in the pharmaceutical field for the design of products with therapeutic potential, including nanoparticles and liposomes, among many others. In antimicrobial preparations, lactoferrin has been included either as a main bioactive component or as an enhancer of the activity and potency of first-line antibiotics. In some proposals based on nanoparticles, lactoferrin has been included in delivery systems to transport and protect drugs from enzymatic degradation in the intestine, favoring the bioavailability for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Moreover, nanoparticles loaded with lactoferrin have been formulated as delivery systems to transport drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, which cannot cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system. This manuscript is focused on pharmaceutical products either containing lactoferrin as the bioactive component or formulated with lactoferrin as the carrier considering its interaction with receptors expressed in tissues as targets of drugs delivered via parenteral or mucosal administration. We hope that this manuscript provides insights about the therapeutic possibilities of pharmaceutical Lf preparations with a sustainable approach that contributes to decreasing the resistance of antimicrobials and enhancing the bioavailability of first-line drugs for intestinal chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Therapeutic efficacy of Nano-formulation of lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin via promoting immunomodulatory and apoptotic effects

This study identifies promising potential of a novel and safer nanocombination of bovine milk lactoperoxidase (LPO) and lactoferrin (LF) to target breast cancer in vitro and in adult female albino rat model. Favorable selective anticancer effects of the prepared nanocombination were observed, in a dose-dependent manner, against both MCF-7 and MDA cell lines, sparing normal HFB-4 cells. The administration of LPO + LFNPs markedly improved the induced-breast cancer disorders, prolonged survival and reduced the values of serum TNF-α, IL1β, CD4+, ALAT, ASAT, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides with remarkable elevation in mammary SOD and GPx activity and GSH level. Moreover, the histopathological findings showed that LPO + LFNPs succeeded in prevention of mammary gland tumorigenesis. Superior efficacy of LPO + LFNPs was observed against pro-inflammatory cytokines through their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The treatment of LPO + LFNPs more significantly modulated the apoptosis and enhanced the expression of cell cycle regulator genes, which demonstrates a successful tumor therapy in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study provided evidence that the chemo-preventive feature of LPO + LFNPs may offer a novel alternative therapy for the treatment of breast cancer through enhances apoptosis pathway, improvement of immune response, reduction of inflammation and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress.

A comprehensive insight into current control of COVID-19: Immunogenicity, vaccination, and treatment

The healthy immune system eliminates pathogens and maintains tissue homeostasis through extraordinarily complex networks with feedback systems while avoiding potentially massive tissue destruction. Many parameters influence humoral and cellular vaccine responses, including intrinsic and extrinsic, environmental, and behavioral, nutritional, perinatal and administrative parameters. The relative contributions of persisting antibodies and immune memory as well as the determinants of immune memory induction, to protect against specific diseases are the main parameters of long-term vaccine efficacy. Natural and vaccine-induced immunity and monoclonal antibody immunotherapeutic, may be evaded by SARS-CoV-2 variants. Besides the complications of the production of COVID-19 vaccinations, there is no effective single treatment against COVID-19. However, administration of a combined treatment at different stages of COVID-19 infection may offer some cure assistance. Combination treatment of antiviral drugs and immunomodulatory drugs may reduce inflammation in critical COVID-19 patients with cytokine release syndrome. Molnupiravir, remdesivir and paxlovid are the approved antiviral agents that may reduce the recovery time. In addition, immunomodulatory drugs such as lactoferrin and monoclonal antibodies are used to control inflammatory responses in their respective auto-immune conditions. Therefore, the widespread occurrence of highly transmissible variants like Delta and Omicron indicates that there is still a lot of work to be done in designing efficient vaccines and medicines for COVID-19. In this review, we briefly discussed the immunological response against SARS-CoV-2 and the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for COVID-19, their mechanisms, and side effects. Moreover, we mentioned various treatment trials and strategies for COVID-19.

Augmenting apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity of lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin by nanocombination with copper and iron hybrid nanometals

There is an urgent need in the medicinal fields to discover biocompatible nanoformulations with low cytotoxicity, which provide new strategies for promising therapies for several types of tumors. Bovine lactoperoxidase (LP) and lactoferrin (LF) have recently attracted attention in medicine for their antitumor activities with recognized safety pattern. Both LP and LF are suitable proteins to be coated or adsorbed to Cu and Fe nanometals for developing stable nanoformulations that boost immunity and strong anticancer effects. New nanometals of Cu and Fe NPs embedded in LP and LF forming novel nanocombinations of LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs had a spherical shape with an average nanosize of about 21 nm. The combination of LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs significantly exhibited the highest growth inhibitory efficacy, in terms of effectively lowering the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values, against Caco-2, HepG2 and MCF7 cells comparing to nanometals, LP, LF and individual nanoproteins (LP-CNPs or LF-FNPs). The highest apoptotic effect of this nanocombination (LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs) was confirmed by the highest percentages of annexin-stained apoptotic cells and G0 population with the strongest alteration in the expression of two well-characterized apoptosis guards (p53 and Bcl-2) and the maximum suppression in the proliferation marker (Ki-67). Also, the in silico analysis predicted that LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, p53 activator) activity and inhibited cancer migration-related proteases (cathepsin B and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9). Our results offer for the first time that these novel nanocombinations of LP and LF were superior in their selectivity and apoptosis-mediating anticancer activity to Cu and Fe nanometals as well as the free form of these proteins or their individual nanoforms.

Synthesis, characterization and application of antibacterial lactoferrin nanoparticles

Lactoferrin (L) and gellan gum (G) nanoparticles were produced in different biopolymer proportions through electrostatic complexation to enhance the antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin. The nanoparticles were characterized according to size, charge density, morphology and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, in two different broths to show the effect of the broth composition on the nanoparticle activity. The 9L:1G particles showed the highest positive zeta potential (+21.20 mV) and reduced diameter (92.03 nm) which resulted in a minimum inhibitory concentration six times smaller (0.3 mg/ml) than pure lactoferrin (2 mg/ml). However, the bacteriostatic action of nanoparticles was inhibited in the presence of divalent cations. When applied to strawberries as a coating, lactoferrin nanoparticles extended fruit shelf-life up to 6 days in the presence of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Therefore, lactoferrin-gellan gum complexation was proved to be a promising tool to enhance lactoferrin antimicrobial action and broaden its application as a food preserver.

Inhibitory Effects of Bacterial Silk-like Biopolymer on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, Adenovirus Type 7 and Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Bacterial polymeric silk is produced by Bacillus sp. strain NE and is composed of two proteins, called fibroin and sericin, with several biomedical and biotechnological applications. In the current study and for the first time, the whole bacterial silk proteins were found capable of exerting antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), adenovirus type 7 (AD7), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The direct interaction between bacterial silk-like proteins and both HSV-1 and AD7 showed potent inhibitory activity against viral entry with IC50 values determined to be 4.1 and 46.4 μg/mL of protein, respectively. The adsorption inhibitory activity of the bacterial silk proteins showed a blocking activity against HSV-1 and AD7 with IC50 values determined to be 12.5 and 222.4 ± 1.0 μg/mL, respectively. However, the bacterial silk proteins exhibited an inhibitory effect on HSV-1 and AD7 replication inside infected cells with IC50 values of 9.8 and 109.3 μg/mL, respectively. All these results were confirmed by the ability of the bacterial silk proteins to inhibit viral polymerases of HSV-1 and AD7 with IC50 values of 164.1 and 11.8 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the inhibitory effect on HCV replication in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) was determined to be 66.2% at concentrations of 100 μg/mL of the bacterial silk proteins. This antiviral activity against HCV was confirmed by the ability of the bacterial silk proteins to reduce the ROS generation inside the infected cells to be 50.6% instead of 87.9% inside untreated cells. The unique characteristics of the bacterial silk proteins such as production in large quantities via large-scale biofermenters, low costs of production, and sustainability of bacterial source offer insight into its use as a promising agent in fighting viral infection and combating viral outbreaks.

Development of Encapsulation Strategies and Composite Edible Films to Maintain Lactoferrin Bioactivity: A Review

Lactoferrin (LF) is a whey protein with various and valuable biological activities. For this reason, LF has been used as a supplement in formula milk and functional products. However, it must be considered that the properties of LF can be affected by technological treatments and gastrointestinal conditions. In this article, we have revised the literature published on the research done during the last decades on the development of various technologies, such as encapsulation or composite materials, to protect LF and avoid its degradation. Multiple compounds can be used to conduct this protective function, such as proteins, including those from milk, or polysaccharides, like alginate or chitosan. Furthermore, LF can be used as a component in complexes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and emulsions, to encapsulate, protect and deliver other bioactive compounds, such as essential oils or probiotics. Additionally, LF can be part of systems to deliver drugs or to apply certain therapies to target cells expressing LF receptors. These systems also allow improving the detection of gliomas and have also been used for treating some pathologies, such as different types of tumours. Finally, the application of LF in edible and active films can be effective against some contaminants and limit the increase of the natural microbiota present in meat, for example, becoming one of the most interesting research topics in food technology.

Novel Nanocombinations of l-Tryptophan and l-Cysteine: Preparation, Characterization, and Their Applications for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

Tungsten oxide WO3 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in a form of nanosheets with homogeneous size and dimensions in one step through acid precipitation using a cation exchange column. The resulting WO3 nanosheet surface was decorated with one of the two amino acids (AAs) l-tryptophan (Trp) or l-cysteine (Cys) and evaluated for their dye removal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. A noticeable improvement in the biological activity of WO3 NPs was detected upon amino acid modification compared to the original WO3. The prepared WO3-Trp and WO3-Cys exhibited strong dye removal activity toward methylene blue and safranin dyes with complete dye removal (100%) after 6 h. WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs revealed higher broad-spectrum antibacterial activity toward both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with strong antifungal activity toward Candida albicans. Anticancer results of the modified WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs against various kinds of cancer cells, including MCF-7, Caco-2, and HepG-2 cells, indicate that they have a potent effect in a dose-dependent manner with high selectivity to cancer cells and safety against normal cells. The expression levels of E2F2 and Bcl-2 genes were found to be suppressed after treatment with both WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs more than 5-FU-treated cells. While expression level of the p53 gene in all tested cells was up-regulated after treatment 5-8 folds more as compared to untreated cells. The docking results confirmed the ability of both NPs to bind to the p53 gene with relevant potency in binding to other tested gens and participation of cysteine SH-functional group in such interaction.

Dose effect of bovine lactoferrin fortification on diarrhea and respiratory tract infections in weaned infants with anemia: A randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the dose effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) fortification on the morbidity of diarrhea and respiratory tract infections in weaned infants with anemia.

METHODS

A total of 108 infants with anemia, who were exclusively breast fed at 4 to 6 mo and weaned and formula fed at 6 to 9 mo, were recruited. The eligible infants were randomly assigned to fortified group 0 (FG0), fortified group 1 (FG1), or fortified group 2 (FG2) and were given formula fortified with 0 mg/100 g, 38 mg/100 g, and 76 mg/100 g of bLF, respectively, for 3 mo. The morbidity of diarrhea and respiratory tract infections (RTIs), the duration of respiratory and diarrhea-related illnesses, and the levels of fecal human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2), cathelicidin LL-37 (LL-37), secretory IgA (sIgA), butyrate, and calprotectin were assessed.

RESULTS

After the exclusion of 12 dropouts, the primary outcome measures, including episodes and duration of diarrhea and RTIs during the intervention, were obtained from 96 infants (35, 33, and 28 in FG0, FG1, and FG2, respectively). Compared with infants in FG0, there was a lower morbidity of rhinorrhea, wheezing, and skin rash among infants in FG1 (P < 0.05) and a lower morbidity of respiratory-related illness and wheezing among infants in FG2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a lower morbidity of diarrhea-related illness, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea was observed among infants in FG2 than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the FG1 infants had a lower morbidity of vomiting and nausea than the FG0 infants (P < 0.05). The HBD-2, LL-37, sIgA, and calprotectin levels were significantly higher whereas the butyrate level was significantly lower in the FG2 infants than in infants in the other two groups after 3 mo of intervention (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The bLF-fortified formula was effective in reducing the morbidity of diarrhea and RTIs in infants with anemia, with the 76 mg/100 g bLF-fortified formula exhibiting a stronger effect. The bLF fortification could be a new strategy for the prevention of diarrhea and RTIs in infants with anemia.

Magnetoliposomes: recent advances in the field of controlled drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Magnetoliposomes have gained increasing attention as delivery systems, as they surpass many limitations associated with liposomes. The combination with magnetic nanoparticles provides a means for development of multimodal and multifunctional theranostic agents that enable on-demand drug release and real-time monitoring of therapy.

AREAS COVERED

Recently, several magnetoliposome structures have been reported to ensure efficient transport and delivery of therapeutics, while improving magnetic properties. Besides, novel techniques have been introduced to improve on-demand release, as well as to achieve sequential release of different therapeutic agents. This review presents the major types and methods of preparation of magnetoliposomes, and discusses recent strategies in the trigger of drug release, development of theranostic formulations, and delivery of drugs and biological entities.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite significant advances in efficient drug delivery, current literature lacks an assessment of formulations as theranostic agents and complementary techniques to optimize thermotherapy efficiency. Plasmonic magnetoliposomes are highly promising multimodal and multifunctional systems, providing the required design versatility to optimize theranostic capabilities. Further, photodynamic therapy and delivery of proteins/genes can be improved with a deeper research on the employed magnetic material and associated toxicity. A scale-up procedure is also lacking in recent research, which is limiting their translation to clinical use.

Nanoformulation approach for improved stability and efficiency of lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase is a glycosylated protein with a molecular mass of 78 kDa, which being excreted in several mammalian secretions. Lactoperoxidase is included in many biological processes and well-known to have biocidal actions, attending as active antibiotics and antiviral agents. This wide-spectrum of biocidal activities mediates via a definite inhibitory system named lactoperoxidase system which acts a potent role in the innate immune response since its activity is not restricted by the antimicrobial effect, but might act a significant role in the hydrolysis of many toxins like aflatoxin. Hence with the current progresses in technology, nanoparticles can offer chances as an active candidate that might be utilized for stabilizing and potentiating the activity of LPO for use in several applications. Due to the variability functions of LPO, this enzyme considers an active target to be encapsulated or coated to NPs for developing novel nanocombinations with controlled surface characteristics. The development of approaches which might enhance conformational stabilization for several weeks of LPO via nanoformulation could improve the biopharmaceutical applicability of this bioactive ingredient. Nanoformulation of LPO enhances novel functions that can be useful in many biotechnological applications like food industry, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications or to deliver and encapsulate bioactive components.