Serum protein corona (PC)

The serum protein corona is a dynamic layer of proteins and other biomolecules that spontaneously adsorb onto the surface of nanoparticles when they come into contact with biological fluids such as blood or serum (Monopoli et al., 2012, Nature Nanotechnology). This corona defines the biological identity of the nanoparticle, which is what the biological environment actually interacts with, rather than the synthetic surface engineered by researchers (Walkey & Chan, 2012, Chemical Society Reviews). It is typically characterized by a hard corona of tightly bound proteins with slow exchange rates and a soft corona of loosely associated proteins with rapid exchange (Corbo et al., 2016, Nanomedicine). The composition of the corona significantly influences the nanoparticle's pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and toxicity by modulating cellular uptake and immune recognition (Tenzer et al., 2013, Nature Nanotechnology). While not a traditional therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme, the protein corona is a critical interface in nanomedicine that can either lead to rapid clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system or be exploited for endogenous targeting to specific tissues.

Other names

Protein coronaNanoparticle-protein coronaBiomolecular coronaHard coronaSoft coronaPlasma protein corona

The serum protein corona modulates the biological identity of nanoparticles, influencing their interaction with cell surface receptors and immune cells, which determines their pharmacokinetic profile, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy.