Understanding the Chemical Nature of Nanoparticle–Protein Interactions

Abstract

The formation of a protein corona has been considered a pitfall in the clinical translation of nanomedicines. Hence, interdisciplinary studies on corona characterization are critically essential. A deep understanding of the formation of hard and soft protein coronas upon in vivo administration of nanoparticles is vital. The protein corona gives the nanoplatform a new biological identity. Furthermore, the control of and mechanistic understanding of corona formation as it is regulated by the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles is crucial for developing safe nanomedicines. A growing number of analytical techniques have been developed in the past decade for examining NP−protein interactions, contributing to a better understanding of protein corona formation on the surface of nanoparticles. In this Review, we summarize the latest developments in the in vivo and in vitro study of dynamic protein corona formation. Insights derived from techniques used to visualize, quantify, and define protein coronas, as well as the methods for examining the kinetics and structural changes of coronal proteins, are discussed. The potential challenges and future perspectives in the study of protein corona formation and its effects on biological behavior and applications of therapeutic nanomaterials are also provided.

Protein electrostatics: From computational and structural analysis to discovery of functional fingerprints and biotechnological design

“…It is now well known that as soon as a nanomaterial comes in contact with a biological fluid, a protein corona forms around it and that it influences its targeting efficiency, biodistribution, biocompatibility, drug release, clearance rates and stability [124] . Despite the forces involved in protein corona formation depend on both protein and nanoparticle physicochemical properties (as reviewed by Nel and co-wokers [125] ), the main factors driving its formation are represented by surface charge [126] , [127] and zeta potential (i.e. the potential at the boundary of the hydrodynamic shear plane of a charged particle [128] ).…”

Recent Patents Concerning the use of Nanotechnology-based Delivery Systems as Skin Penetration Enhancers

“…Another type of nanostructure also reported in the "formulation" technologies category is protein nanoparticles, which can derive from several nanomaterials. Protein nanoparticles have been actively used especially regarding their unique functionalities and properties, including biodegradability, metabolization, and capability to suffer surface modifications, that may facilitate attachment of the drug and targeting ligands (site-specific action) [76][77][78]. In total, only three patents were found using protein nanoparticles and all referred to cosmetic application, one indicated for acne treatment (JP2008297241 (A)), one for anti-aging (JP2008255020 (A)), and one for bleaching (JP2008247814 (A)), all from Japanese FujiFilm Corp. ® .…”

Navigating the Biological‐Material Interface with the Guide of Chemical Biology

“…Controversies surrounding in vivo mechanisms of nanoparticle drug delivery [1,2] and high‐profile failures in late‐stage clinical trials emphasize the need to better understand the biological‐material interface. Traditional workflows to study these interfaces, such as the protein corona of polymer nanoparticles, have been plagued by low resolution or high variability from sample‐processing conditions [3–5] …”