The protein corona is the layer of adsorbed proteins that forms on a nanoparticle once it enters a biological fluid [1]. Its composition is set by the abundance of the proteins, by their affinity for the surface and by competitive exchange between them, so the layer evolves from a loosely bound initial state to a more compact and longer-lived one [1]. Surface charge, hydrophobicity and particle curvature decide which proteins bind and how tightly [2]. The corona replaces the engineered surface as the interface that cells encounter, so the biological identity of the particle is the corona rather than the bare material [3]. Because composition depends on the fluid and on exposure time, the corona is described together with the medium and the incubation period [2].
- biomolecular corona
- nanoparticle
- protein adsorption
- biological identity
- competitive exchange
References
- Kopac, T.; Protein corona, understanding the nanoparticle–protein interactions and future perspectives: A critical review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2021, 169, 290-301, 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.12.108.
- Durán, N.; Silveira, C.P.; Durán, M.; Martinez, D.S.T.; Silver nanoparticle protein corona and toxicity: a mini-review. Journal of Nanobiotechnology 2015, 13, 55, 10.1186/s12951-015-0114-4.
- Breznica, P.; Koliqi, R.; Daka, A.; A review of the current understanding of nanoparticles protein corona composition. Medicine and Pharmacy Reports 2020, 93, 342-350, 10.15386/mpr-1756.