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Updated: May 30, 2025
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Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Characterization of the Protein and Metabolite Corona Acquired by Nanomaterials
Published on: October 27, 2020
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Silica Nanoparticle-Protein Aggregation and Protein Corona Formation Investigated with Scattering Techniques
Qi Han1, Zachary P J Candiloro1, Xudong Cai1
1School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 26, 2025
Summary
This study reveals how protein corona forms on nanoparticles, detailing structural changes and aggregation behaviors using advanced scattering techniques. Understanding these protein-nanoparticle interactions is key for biological applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Protein corona formation is critical for nanoparticle behavior in biological systems.
- Characterizing protein-nanoparticle interactions requires sophisticated analytical methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze protein corona formation on silica nanoparticles using superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) and bovine serum albumin.
- To investigate the influence of protein corona on nanoparticle interactions and aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were employed.
- A novel method of subtracting individual component scattering isolated corona contributions.
- Form factor and fractal analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Consistent core-shell sphere thicknesses were observed, with varied attractive interaction strengths.
- A transition from surface to mass fractals was noted for sfGFP at high protein:nanoparticle ratios.
- Significant aggregation and polydispersity occurred at high molar ratios (~264,000:1).
Conclusions:
- SAXS and DLS identified key transitions in protein-nanoparticle interactions at specific molar ratios.
- Findings advance the understanding of protein corona structural complexities.
- The study highlights the need for refined characterization techniques in this field.
