Crucial Role of the Protein Corona for the Specific Targeting of Nanoparticles

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the physicochemical effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the composition of the protein corona and their correspondence toxicological issues. MATERIALS & METHODS: SPIONs of different sizes and surface charges were exposed to fetal bovine serum. The structure/composition and biological effects of the protein corona-SPION complexes were probed. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: The affinity and level of adsorption of specific proteins is strongly dependent on the size and surface charge of the SPIONs. In vivo experiments on the mouse blood-brain barrier model revealed that nontargeted SPIONs containing specific proteins will enter the brain endothelial barrier cells. CONCLUSION: Some commercially available nanoparticles used for target-specific applications may have unintended uptake in the body (e.g., brain tissue) with potential cytotoxity.