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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:54
Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Characterization of the Protein and Metabolite Corona Acquired by Nanomaterials
Published on: October 27, 2020
Protein corona significantly reduces active targeting yield.
Vahid Mirshafiee1, Morteza Mahmoudi, Kaiyan Lou
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|February 21, 2013
Summary
The protein corona forming on nanoparticles (NPs) hinders their ability to target specific sites. This biomolecular coating masks the active components on the NP surface, reducing their effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) interact with biological systems.
- Upon exposure, NPs acquire a protein coating known as a corona.
- This corona influences NP behavior in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the protein corona on the targeting efficiency of engineered nanoparticles.
- To understand the mechanism by which the corona affects ligand-receptor interactions.
Main Methods:
- Surface functionalization of nanoparticles with targeting ligands.
- Incubation of nanoparticles in biological media to form a corona.
- Assessment of nanoparticle targeting capability using in vitro assays.
Main Results:
- The formation of a protein corona significantly reduces the targeting capability of surface-engineered nanoparticles.
- The corona acts as a barrier, screening the active sites of targeting ligands.
- This screening effect diminishes the specific binding of nanoparticles to their intended targets.
Conclusions:
- The protein corona poses a significant challenge for targeted nanoparticle delivery.
- Strategies to mitigate corona-mediated screening are crucial for enhancing NP therapeutic efficacy.
- Further research is needed to develop corona-resistant nanoparticle designs.
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