When nanoparticles are introduced into biological environments such as blood, serum, and inside cells, the proteins and small molecules that are present adsorb to the nanoparticle surface, forming a cloud, or “protein corona.” The protein corona forms inevitably, and surface functionalization even with molecules that are supposedly non-fouling cannot prevent it. The protein corona is complex, where proteins are dynamically exchanging on and off the nanoparticle surface. While the scientific community is still trying to understand the behavior of protein coronas, we now know that it changes with environment, evolves with time, and varies with nanoparticle physical and chemical properties.
We have studied the properties of protein coronas on nanoparticles and how they are affected by the nanoparticle surface chemistry. In collaboration with Salvador Borros (Institut Quimic de Sarria, Barcelona, Spain) we have been manipulating the corona properties.
Furthermore, we are adopting an engineering perspective and taking advantage of the unique properties of the corona. Because they are large and involve numerous proteins, they can act like sponges and hold a high amount of drug payload . By using a corona to load drugs on nanoparticles, payload capacity can greatly exceed what can be achieved by covalent attachment. In addition, the corona can minimize damage from laser excitation of the nanoparticle, improving triggered release functionality.
Publications
C. Rodriguez-Quijada, H. de Puig, M Sánchez-Purrà, C. Yelleswarapu, J. J. Evans, J. P. Celli, K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Protease degradation of protein coronas and its impact on cancer cells and drug payload release,” ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 2019, 11 (16), 14588–14596.
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C. Rodriguez-Quijada,† M. Sánchez-Purrà,† H. de Puig, and K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Physical Properties of Biomolecules at the Nanomaterial Interface,” 2018, Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Feature Article, 2018, 122 (11), 2827-2840.
†Equally contributing authors.
K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Exploiting the novel properties of protein coronas: Emerging applications in nanomedicine,” 2015, Nanomedicine, 10, 1663-1674, invited contribution.
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J. C. Y. Kah, C. Grabinski, E. Untener, C. Garrett, J. Chen, D. Zhu, S. M. Hussain+, and K. Hamad-Schifferli+, “Protein Coronas on Gold Nanorods Passivated with Amphiphilic Ligands Affect Cytotoxicity and Cellular Response to Penicillin/Streptomycin,” 2014, ACS Nano, 8, 4608-4620.
+corresponding authors
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A. Cifuentes Rius*, H. de Puig*, J. C. Y. Kah, S. Borros, and K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Optimizing the Properties of the Protein Corona Surrounding Nanoparticles for Tuning Payload Release,” 2013, ACS Nano, 7, 10066-10074.
* equally contributing authors
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H. de Puig, A. Cifuentes Rius, D. C. Flemister, S. H. Baxamusa, and K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Selective Light-Triggered Release of DNA from Gold Nanorods Switches Blood Clotting On and Off,” 2013, PLOS ONE, 8, e68511.
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K. Hamad-Schifferli, “How Can We Exploit the Protein Corona?” 2013, Nanomedicine, 8 (1) 1-3, invited Editorial.
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J. C. Y. Kah, J. Chen, A. Zubieta, and K. Hamad-Schifferli, “Exploiting the Protein Corona Around Gold Nanorods for Loading and Triggered Release,” 2012, ACS Nano, 6 (8), 6730-6740.
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