Antibacterial properties of lactoferrin: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to early 2022 Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
I am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Divine Aleru
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was reviewed?
This paper conducted a bibliometric and knowledge map analysis of the global research trends concerning the antibacterial properties of lactoferrin (LF). The authors systematically reviewed 1,923 articles and reviews published from 2000 to early 2022, drawing from the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis identified publication trends, collaboration networks, research hotspots, and evolving themes, including LF’s role in host immunity and antibacterial mechanisms.
Who was reviewed?
The review covered contributions from 8,292 authors affiliated with 2,151 institutions across 86 countries. Notable contributors included the University of California system, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Morinaga Milk Industry Co., with key authors like Bolscher JGM and Yamauchi K. The research base spanned disciplines such as microbiology, food science, molecular biology, and immunology, involving both in vitro and in vivo studies focused on LF’s antibacterial functions.
What were the most important findings?
Lactoferrin was confirmed to exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity through multiple mechanisms, including iron sequestration, membrane destabilization, biofilm disruption, and inhibition of microbial adhesion. The analysis showed significant interest in LF’s role against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus frequently studied. LF also inhibited biofilm formation and supported the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes like Bifidobacterium species in vivo. The bibliometric trends showed that LF-derived peptides and nanotechnology applications are emerging as high-impact subfields. Notably, keyword analysis identified a research shift from mechanistic studies to applied research, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered interest in LF’s immunomodulatory and adjunctive antiviral roles.
Microbiome relevance is reflected in LF’s non-disruptive antibacterial action. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, LF selectively inhibits pathogens while preserving or promoting beneficial microbial communities. This is particularly critical in mucosal environments like the gut, where LF’s support of epithelial integrity and immune balance contributes to microbiome homeostasis.
What are the implications of this review?
This bibliometric review confirms lactoferrin’s sustained relevance as a multifunctional antimicrobial protein, with expanding potential in drug development, nanomedicine, and dietary interventions. For clinicians, LF represents a promising adjunct to antibiotic stewardship strategies, offering antimicrobial action without promoting resistance or dysbiosis. The shift toward translational applications positions LF as a natural compound that bridges innate immunity and microbiome-preserving therapy. Ongoing research must address standardization, bioavailability, and regulatory concerns, but the groundwork for LF’s broader clinical adoption is firmly established.