Interaction of nanoparticles with proteins: relation to bio-reactivity of the nanoparticle

Abstract

Interaction of nanoparticles with proteins is the basis of nanoparticle bio-reactivity. This interaction gives rise to the formation of a dynamic nanoparticle-protein corona. The protein corona may influence cellular uptake, inflammation, accumulation, degradation and clearance of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanoparticle surface can induce conformational changes in adsorbed protein molecules which may affect the overall bio-reactivity of the nanoparticle. In depth understanding of such interactions can be directed towards generating bio-compatible nanomaterials with controlled surface characteristics in a biological environment. The main aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on factors that influence nanoparticle-protein interactions and their implications on cellular uptake.

Immunomodulatory properties of silver nanoparticles contribute to anticancer strategy for murine fibrosarcoma

“…Additionally, the curved (spherical) surface of nanoparticles compared to planar surfaces provide extra flexibility and enhanced surface area to the adsorbed protein molecule. 39 In our study, spherical AgNPs were used, and our results showed a significant increase in the WBC, lymphocyte and granulocyte counts even at extremely low doses (2 mg/kg b.w.). This increase might be due to the spherical nature of the AgNPs inside the mice; this shape provided increased flexibility and an enhanced surface area to the adsorbed NP-PC proteins, resulting in an unwanted immune response even at very low doses.…”

“…37 This NP-PC formation is aided by several forces, such as hydrogen bonds, solvation forces, van der Waals interaction, and others. 38,39 Nanoparticles can also modify the structure and therefore, the function of the adsorbed proteins in NP-PCs, which thus alter the overall activity of the nanoparticles. This modification of the adsorbed proteins in NP-PCs may involve specific foldings, which may lead to a change in the conformation of the epitopes of the adsorbed protein.…”

Effect of nano-zinc oxide on nitrogenase activity in legumes: an interplay of concentration and exposure time

“…This leads to conformational change in the protein [43]. Thus, the interaction of the nanoparticles with enzymes may be indirect and occurs via nanoparticle-protein corona and not at the bare nanoparticle surface [42]. As nature, size, shape, charge and hydrophobicity of proteins vary depending on plant species and their metabolites, the interactive effect of metabolites with nanoparticles would also be different.…”

“…An important factor in understanding the mechanism of nanoparticles-induced changes in nitrogenase is to take into account their interaction with proteins. The dispersion of nanoparticles in a biological milieu results in their surface being immediately enveloped by a complex layer of protein known as ''protein corona'' [41,42]. This adsorption of a protein on the surface of nanoparticles strongly depends on its nature, surface chemistry and physicochemical properties.…”

The bio-nano-interface in predicting nanoparticle fate and behaviour in living organisms: towards grouping and categorising nanomaterials and ensuring nanosafety by design

“…The recent review by Saptarshi et al [140] provides a table summarising the approaches that have been utilised in the recent literature to study nanoparticle-protein interactions, with a focus on methods to assess nanoparticle surface driven protein conformational changes and uptake of nanoparticles by cellular structures. An earlier review included a more diverse set of approaches, including ones routinely used for assessment of protein-protein interactions, including NMR, phage display libraries, limited proteolysis and many others [141].…”