Lactoferricin
Also known as: Lfcin, LfcinB, Bovine lactoferricin
Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin that exhibits potent antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. This cationic peptide demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Lactoferricin is a 2789.3 Da research peptide. Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin that exhibits potent antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. This cationic peptide demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Also called: Lfcin, LfcinB, Bovine lactoferricin
2789.3
Molecular Weight
Daltons
1
Strong Evidence
benefits
5
Studies Cited
peer-reviewed
10-100
Typical Dose
μg/ml
Overview
Lactoferricin represents a highly bioactive peptide fragment obtained through pepsin digestion of lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein naturally found in milk and other secretory fluids. The peptide consists of the first 25 amino acids of lactoferrin's N-terminal region and possesses significantly enhanced antimicrobial properties compared to the parent protein. Research demonstrates lactoferricin's ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes through electrostatic interactions, leading to cell death. Beyond its antimicrobial effects, lactoferricin modulates immune responses by enhancing natural killer cell activity and promoting cytokine production. The peptide shows particular promise in addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and supporting overall immune function.
Key Takeaways: Lactoferricin
- Strongest evidence supports Lactoferricin for antibacterial activity
- Research doses typically range from 10 to 100 μg/ml via in vitro
- 1 benefits with strong evidence, 3 moderate, 3 preliminary
- Half-life: 2-4 hours
- 5 cited research studies in this guide
Mechanism of Action
Lactoferricin exerts antimicrobial effects primarily through membrane disruption. The cationic peptide binds to negatively charged lipopolysaccharides on bacterial cell walls, causing membrane permeabilization and cell lysis. It also chelates iron, depriving bacteria of this essential nutrient. Additionally, lactoferricin modulates immune responses by activating macrophages, enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity, and promoting the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α.
Research Benefits
Lactoferricin at a Glance
Lactoferricin exerts antimicrobial effects primarily through membrane disruption.
Antibacterial Activity
Strong EvidenceDemonstrates potent bactericidal effects against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA and E. coli through membrane disruption mechanisms
Antiviral Properties
Moderate EvidenceInhibits viral replication by preventing viral attachment to host cells and blocking viral entry pathways, showing effectiveness against influenza and herpes viruses
Immune System Enhancement
Moderate EvidenceStimulates natural killer cell activity and promotes macrophage activation, leading to improved immune surveillance and pathogen clearance
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Moderate EvidenceModulates inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine production and reducing excessive inflammatory reactions while maintaining protective immune responses
Wound Healing Acceleration
PreliminaryPromotes tissue repair through antimicrobial protection of wound sites and stimulation of cellular regeneration processes
Antifungal Activity
PreliminaryExhibits fungicidal properties against Candida species and other pathogenic fungi through membrane permeabilization
Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition
PreliminaryShows selective cytotoxicity against certain cancer cell lines while sparing normal cells, potentially through apoptosis induction
Research Dosing Protocols
Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
| Research Protocol | Dose Range | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial studies | 10–100 μg/ml | in vitro |
| Immune modulation research | 50–500 μg/kg | subcutaneous |
| Wound healing studies | 25–200 μg/ml | topical |
Frequency
Once to twice daily
Timing
No specific timing requirements for research protocols
Cycle Length
7-14 days for acute studies, up to 4 weeks for chronic protocols
Research Notes
- 1Doses vary significantly based on research application
- 2Topical applications typically use higher concentrations
- 3In vivo studies often require multiple administration routes
- 4Stability decreases rapidly in aqueous solutions
Reconstitution Guide
Standard Reconstitution
Vial Size
1 mg
Bacteriostatic Water
1 mL
Concentration
10 mcg
per 0.1 mL (10 units)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather Materials
Lactoferricin vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.
Equilibrate Temperature
Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).
Sanitize
Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.
Draw Water
Draw 1 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.
Add Water to Vial
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.
Mix Gently
Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.
Store Properly
Refrigerate at -20°C to -80°C. 2 years lyophilized, 1 week reconstituted at 4°C.
Storage Temperature
-20°C to -80°C
Shelf Life
2 years lyophilized, 1 week reconstituted at 4°C
Important Notes
- •Use sterile water or PBS for reconstitution
- •Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- •Store reconstituted solution in single-use aliquots
- •pH should be maintained between 6.0-7.5 for stability
Lactoferricin Dosing Calculator
Calculate daily intake, cycle totals, and vials needed with pre-filled protocols →
Lactoferricin Reconstitution Calculator
Calculate concentration, syringe units, and doses per vial with auto-filled values →
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- !Injection site irritation
- !Mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- !Temporary elevation in inflammatory markers
- !Potential disruption of normal microbiome
- !Headache
- !Nausea
- !Skin rash or hives
- !Gastrointestinal upset
- !Temporary increase in body temperature
Potential Interactions
- ⚡May enhance effects of other antimicrobial agents
- ⚡Potential interference with iron supplementation
- ⚡Could affect immunosuppressive medications
- ⚡May interact with probiotic supplements
- ⚡Potential enhancement of vaccine responses
Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Research Studies
The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.
Antimicrobial activity of lactoferricin B against foodborne pathogens
Demonstrated potent bactericidal activity of bovine lactoferricin against various pathogenic bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella species
Antiviral activity of lactoferrin and lactoferricin
Showed inhibitory effects against human cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus through blocking viral attachment
Immunomodulatory effects of lactoferricin on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Demonstrated enhancement of natural killer cell activity and cytokine production in human immune cells
Lactoferricin derivatives with enhanced antimicrobial activity
Investigated structure-activity relationships and developed synthetic analogs with improved stability and potency
Anti-inflammatory properties of lactoferricin in experimental colitis
Showed protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease through modulation of inflammatory cytokines
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lactoferricin is a peptide fragment derived from lactoferrin through enzymatic digestion. While lactoferrin is the full protein, lactoferricin consists of only the first 25 amino acids but exhibits significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the parent protein.
Lactoferricin kills bacteria primarily through membrane disruption. Its positive charge allows it to bind to negatively charged bacterial cell walls, causing membrane permeabilization and cell death. It also deprives bacteria of iron, an essential nutrient for growth.
Lactoferricin is generally well-tolerated in research settings, but it is currently approved only for research purposes. Side effects are typically mild and may include injection site reactions or temporary inflammatory responses.
While lactoferricin shows promise against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it is not currently approved as an antibiotic replacement. Research continues to explore its potential as an adjunct or alternative antimicrobial therapy.
Store lyophilized lactoferricin at -20°C to -80°C for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, use within one week when stored at 4°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity.
Yes, research demonstrates lactoferricin's antiviral activity against several viruses including influenza and herpes viruses. It works by preventing viral attachment to host cells and blocking viral entry pathways.
Research administration varies by study design and includes subcutaneous injection, topical application, and in vitro testing. The route depends on the specific research application and target tissue.
Research indicates lactoferricin can enhance immune function by stimulating natural killer cell activity, activating macrophages, and promoting beneficial cytokine production while modulating inflammatory responses.
Research & Educational Use Only
All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.
The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.