Overcoming the protein corona in chitosan-based nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chitosan nanoparticles offer versatile properties for drug delivery applications.
• The cationic nature of chitosan nanoparticles leads to protein adsorption, forming a protein corona in biological fluids.
• Protein corona formation negatively impacts nanoparticle bioavailability and limits in vivo applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for preventing protein corona formation on chitosan nanoparticles.
• To enhance the stability of chitosan nanoparticles in systemic circulation.
• To discuss the limitations of current methods, including PEGylation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on chitosan nanoparticles and protein adsorption.
• Analysis of strategies to mitigate protein corona formation.
• Evaluation of PEGylation as a surface modification technique.

Main Results:

• Protein corona formation is a significant challenge for chitosan nanoparticle drug delivery.
• Various surface modification strategies can reduce protein adsorption.
• PEGylation is a common approach but has limitations.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming protein corona is crucial for successful chitosan nanoparticle-based drug delivery.
• Developing advanced strategies beyond traditional PEGylation is necessary.
• Further research is needed to optimize nanoparticle stability for clinical translation.