Impact of Protein Corona on the Biological Identity of Nanomedicine: Understanding the Fate of Nanomaterials in the Biological Milieu

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) in contact with a biological medium are rapidly comprehended by a number of protein molecules resulting in the formation of an NP–protein complex called protein corona (PC). The cell sees the protein-coated NPs as the synthetic identity is masked by protein surfacing. The PC formation ultimately has a substantial impact on various biological processes including drug release, drug targeting, cell recognition, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and therapeutic efficacy. Further, the composition of PC is largely influenced by the physico-chemical properties of NPs viz. the size, shape, surface charge, and surface chemistry in the biological milieu. However, the change in the biological responses of the new substrate depends on the quantity of protein access by the NPs. The PC-layered NPs act as new biological entities and are recognized as different targeting agents for the receptor-mediated ingress of therapeutics in the biological cells. The corona-enveloped NPs have both pros and cons in the biological system. The review provides a brief insight into the impact of biomolecules on nanomaterials carrying cargos and their ultimate fate in the biological milieu.

Artificial engineering of the protein corona at bio-nano interfaces for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapy

“…As such, a central strategy to reduce MPS-mediated clearance is to engineer the PC for improved cancer-targeted nanotherapies. Several well-written reviews approach aspects of this important topic, including the characteristics of NPs and adsorbed proteins and alterations of the nano-plasma interface [13], how the PC is formed on the NP surface [14], characterization of the PC [15][16][17][18], the biological impacts of NP-PC complexes on nanomedicine implementations [17] and strategies for regulating the PC for biomedical applications [19][20][21][22][23][24]. In this comprehensive review, we discuss advances in NP-PC complexes for drug delivery and cancer treatment applications.…”

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of α-Mangostin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticle Gel for Topical Therapy in Skin Cancer

“…They may also internalize into cells through pinocytosis or phagocytosis process [ 13 ]. The transport of NPs into the tumor region mainly relies on physicochemical features, including size, surface, topography, and nano-biointeraction in the biological milieu [ 14 ].…”

Quantitative comparison of the protein corona of nanoparticles with different matrices

“…This is important because contradicting literature suggests in some cases that the amount or location of the surfactant (in the matrix or absorbed on the surface) does not lead to interference of protein absorption and PC formation. Other sources claim that while it does not block PC formation, surfactants can influence its composition: this must be taken into consideration before conclusions are made about the importance of NP matrix on the PC proteins ( Akhter et al, 2021 ; Neagu et al, 2017 ; Petry et al, 2019 ).…”