Serum protein corona components (PC)

Serum protein corona components refer to the complex and dynamic assembly of proteins, lipids, and other biomolecules that spontaneously adsorb onto the surface of nanoparticles upon exposure to biological fluids like blood or serum (Monopoli et al., 2012, Nature Nanotechnology). This phenomenon is characterized by a 'hard corona' of high-affinity, slowly exchanging proteins and a 'soft corona' of low-affinity, rapidly exchanging proteins (Walkey & Chan, 2012, Chemical Society Reviews). The corona effectively masks the nanoparticle's synthetic surface properties, providing it with a 'biological identity' that dictates its physiological fate, including biodistribution, toxicity, and cellular internalization (Corbo et al., 2016, Nanomedicine). While not a single therapeutic target, the corona is a critical factor in nanomedicine design, as specific components like opsonins can trigger immune clearance, while others like apolipoproteins can facilitate crossing the blood-brain barrier (Borgognoni et al., 2019, Nanoscale). Understanding and manipulating the corona is essential for improving the efficacy and safety of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.

Other names

Nanoparticle-protein coronaBiomolecular coronaHard coronaSoft coronaProtein adsorption layer

The protein corona defines the biological identity of nanoparticles; it interacts with cell surface receptors (e.g., scavenger receptors, LDL receptors) to mediate endocytosis or triggers the mononuclear phagocyte system for clearance.