Lactoferrin and Its Detection Methods: A Review Original paper

What Was Reviewed?

This review article comprehensively examined the biological functions of lactoferrin (LF) and the various methods developed for its detection in biological and food samples. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein involved in multiple physiological roles, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. The review also explored LF’s emerging role as a biomarker for several conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and dry eye disease (DED), due to its presence in bodily secretions like tears, saliva, and feces. In parallel, the authors provided an in-depth analysis of current detection technologies, including immunoassays, instrumental techniques, and advanced biosensors such as electrochemical and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors.

Who Was Reviewed?

The review focused on both animal models (primarily rats) and human participants across various referenced studies to establish lactoferrin’s role as a biomarker and therapeutic target. It incorporated data from clinical and preclinical studies analyzing LF levels in subjects with IBD, AD, and DED, along with experimental detection methods evaluated in human biological fluids and food matrices (such as milk, whey, and infant formula).

What Were the Most Important Findings?

Lactoferrin demonstrates a clear dual functionality in the microbiome context: it restricts pathogen proliferation by sequestering iron and disrupting microbial membranes while simultaneously supporting beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. As a biomarker, fecal LF is highly specific and moderately sensitive for diagnosing IBD, with stronger performance in ulcerative colitis than Crohn’s disease. Alzheimer’s patients show a marked decrease in salivary LF, which may help predict early neurodegenerative changes before traditional CSF markers. Tear LF levels are consistently lower in patients with DED, correlating with disease severity. Methodologically, ELISA remains the most widely used detection tool due to its high specificity and sensitivity, though fluorescence-based aptasensors and SPR devices are emerging as promising alternatives due to their real-time capabilities and low detection limits.

What Are the Implications of This Review?

This review underscores lactoferrin’s robust diagnostic potential across a spectrum of diseases with microbial or inflammatory underpinnings. Clinically, its utility as a non-invasive biomarker in feces, saliva, and tears presents a path forward for early screening and monitoring of diseases like IBD and AD—conditions where traditional diagnostics are either invasive or limited in sensitivity. For microbiome research, lactoferrin acts as a major microbial association (MMA) molecule that reflects both microbial health and host immunity. From a translational perspective, there is a clear need for the development of portable, cost-effective, and highly sensitive LF detection platforms, especially biosensor technologies, to bridge laboratory research and clinical utility. The review positions lactoferrin as both a sentinel and a shield in mucosal immunity, making it a valuable target for diagnostics, microbiome profiling, and therapeutic intervention.