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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
07:19
Structural Studies of Macromolecules in Solution using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering
Published on: November 5, 2018
Fractionation-Free Protein Corona Quantification Through Synchrotron-Based Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.
Juliana T T Carvalho1,2, Caroline E P Silva1, Lindomar J C Albuquerque1
1Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), São Paulo, Brazil.
Small Methods
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to measure protein corona (PC) on nanoparticles. This technique quantifies protein adsorption under native conditions without disturbing the sample.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) interact with biological systems by forming a protein corona (PC).
- The PC dictates NP behavior but is difficult to study in its native state.
- Current methods compromise PC integrity during analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, fractionation-free method for quantitative PC analysis.
- To measure protein adsorption on NPs under native conditions.
- To advance the characterization of the protein corona.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
- Modeled scattering from free and bound proteins to quantify adsorbed mass.
- Applied the method to silica NPs in single-protein and complex proteomic systems.
Main Results:
- Successfully quantified protein adsorption on NPs without separating the complex.
- Determined adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic parameters.
- Distinguished between different protein adsorption regimes.
Conclusions:
- SAXS is a non-invasive, quantitative technique for in situ PC characterization.
- This method preserves the native state of the protein corona.
- Enables accurate evaluation of PC physicochemical properties.
Keywords:
fractionation‐freeprotein corona quantificationsmall‐angle X‐ray scatteringsynchrotron SAXSMore Related Videos
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