Nanoparticle protein corona: from structure and function to therapeutic targeting

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanoparticle (NP)-based therapeutics are advancing translational medicine.
• The formation of a protein corona (PC) on NPs in biological environments is not fully understood.
• The PC can significantly alter NP identity, bioactivity, stability, and biodistribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review biological factors influencing protein conformation within the PC.
• To examine protein conformation and orientation on four common NP types.
• To explore therapeutic applications leveraging protein conformation in the PC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biological factors affecting protein conformation.
• Detailed analysis of protein adsorption on selected NP types.
• Discussion of therapeutic strategies involving PC conformation control.

Main Results:

• Protein conformation and orientation in the PC are sensitive to biological factors and NP surface properties.
• Altered protein conformation can lead to changes in NP functionality.
• Specific NP types exhibit distinct protein adsorption patterns.

Conclusions:

• Understanding protein conformation in the PC is crucial for NP therapeutic development.
• Leveraging PC conformation offers potential for controlling NP behavior and immune responses.
• Further research is needed to fully explore the PC-NP interface for therapeutic innovation.