Antimicrobial · Cationic antimicrobial peptide fragment
Lactoferricin B
Also known as LfcinB
A 25-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide fragment of bovine lactoferrin, studied for its membrane-disrupting activity in laboratory models.
- Length
- 25 amino acids
- Half-life
- Short, susceptible to proteolysis
- Mechanism
- Causes rapid membrane depolarization and permeabilisation, leading to cell death, and can also induce apoptosis in some cell types in vitro.
- Studied in
- Investigated in microbiological and cell culture models for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.
About Lactoferricin B
Lactoferricin B is a 25-residue cationic peptide derived from the N-terminal region of bovine lactoferrin by pepsin digestion. The peptide features a single disulfide bridge, which forms a loop structure critical for some of its biological activities. It represents the primary antimicrobial domain of the parent lactoferrin protein.
The principal mechanism of action involves a rapid and strong interaction with the negatively charged components of microbial membranes. This leads to membrane depolarization, increased permeability, and eventual cell lysis. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, some in vitro studies explore its capacity to induce apoptotic pathways in certain cell lines, a distinct area of laboratory research.
Laboratory notes
- The disulfide bond is important for activity; experiments should avoid strongly reducing conditions.
- Can be quantified using a standard BCA assay or by UV absorbance at 280nm due to its tryptophan and tyrosine residues.
- Lyophilised peptide should be stored at -20°C and protected from moisture.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Lactoferricin B
What is the origin of Lactoferricin B?
It is a peptide fragment produced by the enzymatic cleavage of lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other mammalian secretions.
How does the bovine version differ from the human one?
Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is generally found to have more potent antimicrobial activity in lab assays compared to its human counterpart.
What is its primary antimicrobial mechanism?
It acts by disrupting the integrity of microbial cell membranes, leading to leakage and cell death.
Is Lactoferricin B for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.