Lactoferrin: Current situation and future prospects

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in concerns regarding food safety, leading to an intensified focus on the health implications of food consumption. Lactoferrin, as a prominent representative of functional foods, not only serves as a vital source of nutrients for the human body but also offers numerous protective benefits for human health. The remarkable antibacterial and antiviral properties of lactoferrin have stimulated extensive research and increased its application in promoting human well-being. The substantial nutritional value of lactoferrin has contributed to a steady expansion in market demand. Addressing the challenge posed by demand surpassing supply, a more environmentally friendly and economically viable approach for lactoferrin production involves heterologous expression. This paper provides a comprehensive and updated review of these advances, including their source, molecular structure, biological function, heterologous host expression, protein purification, and application. The expression system, function, and application of lactoferrin were emphasized and highlighted, aiming to provide practical guidelines for further development and utilization of lactoferrin.