lactoferrin-modified pegylated liposomes

Lactoferrin-modified pegylated liposomes are a specialized **nanocarrier drug delivery system** in which polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains are covalently attached to the liposome surface, providing steric stabilization and prolonged circulation time in the bloodstream. **Lactoferrin** is conjugated to PEGylated liposomes as a targeting ligand, most commonly via amide linkage to the distal end of DSPE-PEG2000-COOH, enabling receptor-mediated active targeting. These liposomes have shown enhanced selective uptake by cells expressing specific receptors such as **asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR)** in hepatocellular carcinoma and ***lactoferrin receptors and transferrin receptors*** in brain endothelial cells for CNS targeting. The mechanism of action is primarily improved delivery of encapsulated payloads (such as doxorubicin or etomidate) to disease sites through active targeting and endocytosis, resulting in increased antitumor or therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. The system has been researched as a carrier for chemotherapeutics (e.g., doxorubicin for hepatocellular carcinoma), general anesthetics (e.g., etomidate for brain-targeted anesthesia), and potentially other agents[1][3][5][7]. Developers have included academic teams, chiefly Sun Yat-sen University for cancer applications and other groups for CNS targeting. No commercial/brand formulations or manufacturers are identified in the literature to date.

Other names

Lf-PLS