Dynamic process, mechanisms, influencing factors and study methods of protein corona formation

Nanoparticles interacting with proteins to form protein corona represent one of the most fundamental problems in the rapid development of nanotechnology. In the past decade, thousands of studies have pointed out this issue. Within multi-protein systems, the formation of protein corona is a homeostasis process in which proteins compete for the limited surface sites of nanoparticles. Besides, the formation of protein corona generally shows a tendency of evolving with time and involves many different driving forces controlled by properties of nanoparticles, proteins and environment. Therefore, recent research on the dynamic process and mechanisms of protein corona formation in both animals and plants are summarized in this review. The factors that affect the formation and the techniques that commonly used for protein corona analysis are proposed. Furthermore, in order to provide reference for the future research, the limitations and challenges in protein corona studies are assessed and the future perspectives are proposed.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the recent research on the dynamic process and mechanisms of protein corona formation, which occurs when nanoparticles interact with proteins. The formation of protein corona is a homeostasis process where proteins compete for limited surface sites on nanoparticles. The review also discusses the factors that affect formation and techniques commonly used for protein corona analysis. Furthermore, it assesses the limitations and challenges in protein corona studies and proposes future perspectives.