Serum proteins and opsonins (Protein Corona) (Protein Corona)

The interaction between serum proteins and opsonins with nanoparticle surfaces leads to the formation of a "protein corona," which defines the biological identity of the nanomaterial in vivo (Monopoli et al., 2012). Upon entering the bloodstream, nanoparticles adsorb a variety of proteins, including complement factors, immunoglobulins, and apolipoproteins, which can either facilitate or hinder their therapeutic efficacy (Walkey & Chan, 2012). Opsonins, specifically, tag the nanoparticles for recognition and clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), primarily in the liver and spleen (Corbo et al., 2016). This process is a major hurdle in nanomedicine, as it often leads to rapid systemic clearance and potential immune-mediated side effects like hypersensitivity (Moore et al., 2015). Conversely, the protein corona can be engineered to improve targeting or to shield the nanoparticle from immune detection, a strategy often employed through surface modifications like PEGylation (Schöttler et al., 2016). Understanding the composition and dynamics of this interface is critical for the design of safe and effective nanotherapeutics (Szebeni, 2005).

Other names

Biomolecular coronaNanoparticle-protein interfaceOpsonization layerSurface-adsorbed serum proteinsNanoparticle-protein complex

The formation of a protein corona via non-specific adsorption of serum proteins onto nanoparticle surfaces, which dictates the biological identity and subsequent cellular uptake or clearance of the nanocarrier by the mononuclear phagocyte system (Monopoli et al., 2012; Walkey & Chan, 2012).