Towards understanding of nanoparticle–protein corona

Abstract

With the rapid developments of nanotechnology, chances of exposing nanoscale particles to humans (e.g., workers and consumers) also increase correspondingly, which raises serious concerns on their biosafety. Entrance of nanoparticles into diverse biological environment endows them with new and dynamic biological identities as the so-called nanoparticle-protein corona. Therefore, understanding the role of these nanoparticle-protein coronas and resulting biological responses is crucial, as it helps to clarify the biological mechanism and prevent the potential adverse effects of nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize the latest developments relating to the nanoparticle-protein interaction and corresponding biological responses, with an emphasis on the characterization methods, induced biological effects and possible molecular mechanisms. In addition, we overview both the challenges and opportunities (particularly in nanomedicine) raised by this entrance of nanoparticles into the living creatures, especially human beings, with some future perspectives based on our understanding.

Membrane destruction-mediated antibacterial activity of tungsten disulfide (WS2)

“…In our current study, WS 2 nanosheets were probably partially coated with protein FBS in the cell viability assays, even though the culture media of A549 and HEP G2 cells were replaced with WS 2 -loaded serum-free media aer reaching $80% conuence. 57,58 In other words, our current A549 and HEP G2 cell experiments are more similar to Chae and coworkers' experiment on HEK293f as mentioned above. On the contrary, in the antibacterial experiments, the WS 2 nanosheets were kept "naked" during the entire incubation with bacteria.…”

Translational radionanomedicine: a clinical perspective

“…For instance, PEGylated liposomes with a chelator, DTPA, could be labeled with 99m Tc for SPECT imaging, 68 Ga for PET imaging and 177 Lu for therapeutic purposes (35). Therapeutic radiolabeled nanoparticles could be not only intravenously injected but also directly delivered to target lesions.…”

“…These biologically-generated collections of proteins on their surfaces are called protein corona. Their composition and patterns change according to the physical characteristics of nanoparticles as well as the nature of human body fluids (68)(69)(70). Protein corona are known to significantly affect in vivo distribution and targeted delivery (71,72).…”

<div>Effects of the protein corona on liposome&ndash;liposome and liposome&ndash;cell interactions</div>

“…12 Several studies have characterized PC structure, function, and formation dynamics. 13,14 Structurally, proteins that are weakly bound to the NP surface form the "soft corona," while proteins strongly bound to the NP surface form the "hard corona." 15,16 Functionally, the PC is characterized by the presence of opsonins (complement proteins), immunoglobulins, and lectins, 17 specific receptors on leukocyte membranes.…”