Review

Biosafety and Bioapplication of Nanomaterials by Designing Protein–Nanoparticle Interactions

  1. Sheng-Tao Yang1,2,
  2. Ying Liu1,
  3. Yan-Wen Wang1,
  4. Aoneng Cao1,*

Article first published online: 23 JAN 2013

DOI: 10.1002/smll.201201492

Issue

Small

Small

Special Issue: Nanotoxicology

Volume 9, Issue 9-10, pages 1635–1653, May 27, 2013

Additional Information

How to Cite

Yang, S.-T., Liu, Y., Wang, Y.-W. and Cao, A. (2013), Biosafety and Bioapplication of Nanomaterials by Designing Protein–Nanoparticle Interactions. Small, 9: 1635–1653. doi: 10.1002/smll.201201492

Author Information

  1. 1

    Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China

  2. 2

    College of Chemistry and Environment, Protection Engineering, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, 610041, China

*Institute of Nanochemistry and Nanobiology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 16 MAY 2013
  2. Article first published online: 23 JAN 2013
  3. Manuscript Revised: 28 AUG 2012
  4. Manuscript Received: 29 JUN 2012

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Keywords:

  • design;
  • nanomaterials;
  • nanotoxicology;
  • noncovalent interactions;
  • proteins

Abstract

The protein–nanoparticle (NP) interface is a current frontier of multiple disciplines, full of challenges and opportunities. The unique behaviors of nanomaterials (NMs) bring many exciting applications, and also raise safety concerns. Beyond bioapplications, various NMs could also enter human bodies from the environment. When entering human bodies, NPs interact with various biomolecules, especially proteins, forming a protein corona. This protein–NP complex is what the biosystems 'see' and 'respond to'. Therefore, understanding how NPs interact with proteins is crucial for both bioapplications and the biosafety of NMs. In this review, the current understanding of protein–NP interactions is summarized, including the theoretical background, experimental results, and computational progresses. Guidelines for improving bioapplication performance and reducing the potential biosafety hazard of NMs by designing the protein–NP interactions are discussed, along with future directions and challenges in this exciting field.

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