Biological Effects of Bovine Lactoferrin on Keratinocyte Proliferation and Migration (Bovine Lactoferrin and Wound Healing Response)

Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein present in various exocrine secretions, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including cell proliferation, immune modulation, and antimicrobial effects. This study investigates the bioactivities of commercially available Lf derived from bovine milk. Commercial Lf, with a purity exceeding 95%, was analyzed using chemical and cell-based assays. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the protein’s identity through characteristic peaks. Cell viability assays demonstrated noncytotoxic effects, while cell morphology analysis and proliferation assays revealed that Lf stimulated human keratinocyte (HaCaT) proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Wound healing assays showed that Lf promotes wound closure, with optimal effects observed at lower concentrations. However, antimicrobial assays revealed that Lf alone did not exhibit activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . These findings highlight the importance of purity and concentration in determining the biological activity of Lf. Further studies are warranted to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the potential applications of bovine Lf in therapeutic contexts.