Personalized protein coronas: a "key" factor at the nanobiointerface.

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Proteomics

Background:

• Nanoparticle (NP) interactions with biological systems are governed by the adsorbed protein "corona."
• Corona composition is highly dependent on the protein source, such as human plasma.
• Disease states may alter plasma proteins, potentially influencing the NP corona.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if human diseases impact the protein corona formed on nanoparticles.
• To introduce and define the concept of a "personalized protein corona" (PPC).

Main Methods:

• Incubation of polystyrene and silica nanoparticles with human plasma from individuals with various diseases.
• Analysis of the protein composition of the resulting nanoparticle coronas.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in NP corona protein composition were observed based on the donor's disease state.
• Specific diseases demonstrably altered the protein corona profile.

Conclusions:

• The type of human disease plays a critical role in determining the NP protein corona.
• The personalized protein corona (PPC) concept is proposed as a key factor for nano-biomedical applications.
• Understanding PPC can aid in the rational design of nanoparticle-based experiments for clinical use.