Lactoferrin Characterization
BioDevCenter
Senior Principal Scientist
Mass Spectrometry Services for Lactoferrin Characterization
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein widely used in infant nutrition, functional foods, and biotechnological production systems. Its biological activity is strongly influenced by glycosylation, structural integrity, and iron-binding state, which can vary depending on source and processing.
We offer state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based characterization of lactoferrin, enabling detailed insights into molecular structure, heterogeneity, and quality attributes relevant for industrial applications. Typical applications are quality control and batch consistency, recombinant lactoferrin development, process optimization, biosimilar studies.
We support companies in answering critical questions such as:
- Is my lactoferrin structurally intact after processing?
- Does my recombinant product match native lactoferrin?
- How consistent are my production batches?
- What determines bioactivity and stability?
Our Services
Detailed characterization of N-glycans and site-specific glycosylation
- Identification of glycosylation sites and their occupancy
- Structural characterization of glycans (e.g., fucosylation, sialylation)
- Comparison of the distribution of glycoforms among samples
Why this is important:
Glycosylation patterns vary considerably depending on origin and directly influence biological activity and functionality.
Comprehensive Analysis of Lactoferrin Heterogeneity
- Determination of intact mass (top-down MS)
- Distribution of proteoforms (combined PTMs, glycoforms)
- Comparability between batches
Why this is important:
Lactoferrin exists in the form of several coexisting molecular variants (proteoforms), which are crucial for quality and reproducibility.
Characterization of Iron Binding States
- Distinction Between Apo-, Mono-, and Holo-Lactoferrin
- Quantification of Iron-Bound Fractions
Why this is important:
Iron binding is of central importance to the antimicrobial and nutritional functions of lactoferrin.
Quality control in accordance with industrial and regulatory requirements
- Detection of protein contaminants and degradation products
- Assessment of the sample's purity and homogeneity
Why this is important:
A high degree of purity is essential for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries (typical requirement: >95%).
Verification of the Product's Origin and Integrity
- Distinction Between Bovine, Human, and Recombinant Lactoferrin
- Detection of Adulteration or Deviations in Composition
Why this is important:
Lactoferrin profiles provide valuable information for authenticity testing and product quality assessment.
Comparison of Recombinant and Native Lactoferrin
- Analysis of Structural Comparability
- Comparison of Glycosylation
- Functionally Relevant Differences
Ideal for:
- Companies in the field of precision fermentation
- Developers of alternative proteins
Methods:
- Sample preparation, including enzymatic digestion
- LC-MS analysis
- Data interpretation
Devices:
- HPLC-MS (MAXIS Qtof)
- HPLC-MS/MS (Thermo Eclipse)
NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute
at the University of Tübingen
Markwiesenstraße 55, 72770 Reutlingen
Tel.: +49 7121 51530-0
Mail:
info@nmi.de
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