Biocorona‐induced modifications in engineered nanomaterial–cellular interactions impacting biomedical applications

Abstract

When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a physiological environment, a complex coating of biomolecules is absorbed onto their surface, known as the biocorona (BC). This coating alters nanomaterial physical properties, modulating cellular viability, internalization, and immune responses. To safely utilize NPs within medical settings, it is necessary to understand the influence of the BC on cellular responses. Due to the variety of cell types, NPs, and physiological environments, responses are variable; though trends do exist. This review article critically evaluates the currently available literature regarding the influence of the BC on NP interactions with prominent cell types that they are likely to encounter during biomedical applications. Specifically, we will examine responses related to interactions with endothelial cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells of the digestive tract and lung. Further, we will evaluate how the BC may influence interactions with bacteria and fungi, as NPs have been proposed as antimicrobial agents in medical settings. The information reviewed and discussed here may enhance the development of effective of NP‐based therapeutics and diagnostic tools. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices

DNA-nanoparticle interactions: Formation of a DNA corona and its effects on a protein corona

“…These proteins adsorb on the surface of NPs to form a structure known as a protein "corona." [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] However, the in vivo milieu consists of many different types of biomolecules, not just proteins. For example, recent work has examined the formation of lipid and metabolite coronas on NPs.…”

Overcoming the protein corona in chitosan-based nanoparticles

“…Recently, much research has been done in escaping the immune system upon in vivo conditions by exploiting the protein corona, using a preformed protein corona or biomimetic protein corona on NPs [15,94]. For instance, coating of NPs with endogenous peptides such as CD-47 (an integrin-associated protein) was shown to increase the circulation time of NPs by avoiding macrophage uptake [95].…”

“…Albumin (considered a dysopsonin) may be beneficial on the surface of CtNPs. Indeed, it was found a high interaction between albumin coated NPs and endothelial cells, in turn prolonging their circulation time [94]. Conversely, Nguyen et al [98] found that precoating of gelatin-oleic NPs with albumin increased the cellular uptake of a human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK 293) while decreasing that one of a human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549).…”

Interaction of TiO2 nanoparticles with lung fluid proteins and the resulting macrophage inflammatory response

“…8,[20][21][22][23][24][25][26] The specific proteins that adsorb on the NP surface determine the subsequent interactions of the NP with cells and organs including cellular internalization, immune response, biodistribution, and circulation time. 22,24,25,[27][28][29] The majority of research on the protein corona, including our own, [30][31][32] has focused on blood serum proteins relevant to nanomedicines. In comparison, inhalation of NPs brings the NPs into contact with the more complex environment of lung lining fluid.…”