Mini-review: Lactoferrin: a bioinspired, anti-biofilm therapeutic

Abstract

Medically relevant biofilms have gained a significant level of interest, in part because of the epidemic rise in obesity and an aging population in the developed world. The associated comorbidities of chronic wounds such as pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and diabetic foot wounds remain recalcitrant to the therapies available currently. Development of chronicity in the wound is due primarily to an inability to complete the wound healing process owing to the presence of a bioburden, specifically bacterial biofilms. New therapies are clearly needed which specifically target biofilms. Lactoferrin is a multifaceted molecule of the innate immune system found primarily in milk. While further investigation is warranted to elucidate mechanisms of action, in vitro analyses of lactoferrin and its derivatives have demonstrated that these complex molecules are structurally and functionally well suited to address the heterogeneity of bacterial biofilms. In addition, use of lactoferrin and its derivatives has proven promising in the clinic.

Figure 1

Combined treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilms with lactoferrin and xylitol results in membrane disruption. SEM imaging (panels A and B) and LIVE/DEAD staining (panels C and D) demonstrate significant membranedisruption of treatedcells (panels B and D) when compared to untreated cells (panels A and C). For more information see Ammons et al. (2011a, .

Figure 2

SEM image showing an undifferentiated HL60 human monocytic cell which has come up against a wall of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus cells co-cultured in a biofilm grown in vitro.