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

Abstract

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 Developments on Stimuli-Responsive Probiotic Encapsulates: From Smart Hydrogels to Nanostructured Platforms

“…The selection of optimal material for probiotic encapsulation and the appropriate processing route are key parameters to ensure an efficient delivery strategy, where early degradation by GIT stimuli and harsh conditions are largely avoided. Nevertheless, selecting the materials for superior performance in complex physiological environments such as the GIT is a task made challenging not only by the obstacles to be overcome to reach the target site but also by the need to maintain high biological activities and positive responses to the changing surroundings [49,50]. The fast-growing notion that encapsulates can be composed of active biomaterials should be driven by matching the material's properties with expected responses through the GIT.…”

“…However, one of the main concerns about implementing hydrogels is the proper tuning of mechanical performance, along with optimal porosity to enable microorganism survival while maintaining sufficient cell entrapment and a considerable degree of swelling [79]. This has been addressed by chemically modified polymers through different routes, including the addition of ionizable functional groups, functionalized backbones, and combined polymeric blending [50,80,81].…”

Plasmalemmal V-ATPase as a Potential Biomarker for Lactoferrin-Based Anticancer Therapy

“…Targeted delivery systems of Lf may be an excellent hypothesis to promote Lf-V-ATPase interaction. In fact, microencapsulation using several different technologies has been shown to improve Lf bioavailability by enhancing its gastro-protection, to promote its effective targeting to the tumor cells, and to potentiate its anticancer activities [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Intratumoral injection of Lf may also be an efficient way to deliver Lf directly into the tumor and boost its interaction with V-ATPase.…”

Molecular Imaging and Nanotechnology—Emerging Tools in Diagnostics and Therapy

“…Nanoparticles (NPs) are mainly developed based on carbon structures, metal and metal oxides, polymers, lipids, and semiconductors. Nanotechnology enables targeted delivery, improves stability in different environments and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, solubility, and bioavailability [ 7 , 8 ]. These properties are essential for medicines used in pharmacology and active compounds in cosmetics and nutraceuticals in fortified food.…”