Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• surface with hydrophilic polymers such as PEG. PEGylation is widely used for its “stealth” effect, hindering protein adsorption on the hydrophobic polymer surface by steric repulsion [36]. However, the long-term use of PEGylated NCs for treating chronic diseases can lead to side effects, such as

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• . This modification provides several advantages. PEGylation increases the stability of the PLHNPs in biological fluids by preventing aggregation and reducing protein adsorption. It also extends the circulation time of nanoparticles in the bloodstream by reducing immune system recognition and clearance

A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating

• Ryan A. Faase,
• Madeleine H. Hummel,
• AnneMarie V. Hasbrook,
• Andrew P. Carpenter and
• Joe E. Baio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111

• removal and or repulsion of these important molecules that control the clotting cascade. The most prominent of the methods are ones that aim to reduce non-specific protein adsorption, increase adhesion resistance, use biomolecules to remove targets of interest, and enhance endothelial cell attachment. One

• identifying the specific interactions between platelets and surfaces independent of protein adsorption or other events that may take place within whole blood and plasma studies. In our purified platelet system, we observed a 150% increase in adherent platelets on PDA–FDT–PFD compared to BSA and a 50% decrease

Dual-functionalized architecture enables stable and tumor cell-specific SiO₂NPs in complex biological fluids

• Iris Renata Sousa Ribeiro,
• Raquel Frenedoso da Silva,
• Romênia Ramos Domingues,
• Adriana Franco Paes Leme and
• Mateus Borba Cardoso

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1238–1252, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.100

• . Sulfobetaine zwitterionic (ZW) and folate groups were chosen as kinetic stabilizers and targeting agents, respectively. It is worth highlighting that sulfobetaines were selected specifically for their enhanced hydration properties, effectively preventing protein adsorption on various NPs and contributing to

• SiO2NPs-ZW in plasma. One hypothesis for this decreased stability is the greater adsorption of proteins from the complement system compared to non-functionalized NPs. However, it is worth noting that after adding the folate group, a significant reduction in this protein adsorption was observed, which

• of folate ensured the stability of NPs in this medium. Moreover, in both evaluated media, there was a decrease in protein adsorption after the addition of ZW, primarily in the adsorption of opsonin. Hemolysis and cell viability assays Considering the reduction in proteins adsorbed on SiO2NPs

Therapeutic effect of F127-folate@PLGA/CHL/IR780 nanoparticles on folate receptor-expressing cancer cells

• Thi Ngoc Han Pham,
• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan Thang Cao,
• Thanh-Danh Nguyen,
• Vy Tran Anh and
• Hieu Vu_Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 954–964, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.78

• . The outer PEO corona prevents aggregation, protein adsorption, and recognition by the reticuloendothelial system, while the hydrophobic PPO core may be modified to contain hydrophobic anticancer drugs, fluorophores, or even anchor to the hydrophobic layer of the nanoparticles [8][9]. The F127

• of F127 associates with or anchors to hydrophobic PLGA, while the hydrophilic block PEO exposed to the aqueous environment associates with or anchors to hydrophilic PLGA [9][10]. The PEO block yields a stealthy surface that inhibits protein adsorption and aggregation. In addition, the conjugation of

Multiscale modelling of biomolecular corona formation on metallic surfaces

• Parinaz Mosaddeghi Amini,
• Ian Rouse,
• Julia Subbotina and
• Vladimir Lobaskin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 215–229, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.21

• modelling of the interaction between various surfaces, that is (100), (110), and (111), of fcc aluminum with the most abundant milk proteins and lactose. Our approach combines atomistic molecular dynamics, a coarse-grained model of protein adsorption, and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to predict the

• the proteins. Each heatmap is accompanied by a 3D representation of the protein on the NP surface, with the AAs closest to the NP’s surface marked. The AAs that are most likely to make contact with the metal surfaces, according to analysis, are LYS, TYR, PHE, GLU, ARG, and ASP. The rankings of protein

• adsorption on each aluminum surface are shown in Table 2, highlighting the variations in adsorption energies (Eads/kBT) and the particular protein–surface interactions (θ and ϕ in degrees). Moreover, the minimum distance (rmin in nm) indicates the closest approach of the protein to the aluminum surface

Nanocarrier systems loaded with IR780, iron oxide nanoparticles and chlorambucil for cancer theragnostics

• Phuong-Thao Dang-Luong,
• Hong-Phuc Nguyen,
• Loc Le-Tuan,
• Xuan-Thang Cao,
• Vy Tran-Anh and
• Hieu Vu Quang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 180–189, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.17

• and target efficacy. To increase the blood half-life, stealth materials have been attached to the nanoparticle surface to prevent protein adsorption and immune cell phagocytosis [4]. Most sheath materials are hydrophilic polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(ethylene

• NPs also helps to maintain its stability. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the surface of NPs would serve as a brush to inhibit serum protein adsorption [4]. The PEO block of F127 shares the same core structure as PEG; hence, the emergence of a form of PEG would likewise improve the pharmacokinetics of

Hierarchically patterned polyurethane microgrooves featuring nanopillars or nanoholes for neurite elongation and alignment

• Lester Uy Vinzons,
• Guo-Chung Dong and
• Shu-Ping Lin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1157–1168, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.96

• had a rounded bottom. The space between the pillars and holes were around 860 nm and 330 nm, respectively. The wettability of a surface is a good predictor of protein adsorption and bioactivity [20]. For the extracellular matrix protein laminin, good adsorption and cell growth have been found on

Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles for target-specific drug delivery of chemotherapeutics

• Mamta Kumari,
• Amitabha Acharya and
• Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 912–926, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.75

• antigen binding ability. Improper antibody conjugation influences antigen binding affinity and specificity. Once injected into the body, the ACNPs face both physical and biological barriers (such as diffusion, flow and shear forces, aggregation, protein adsorption, phagocytic sequestration, and clearance

Design of surface nanostructures for chirality sensing based on quartz crystal microbalance

• Yinglin Ma,
• Xiangyun Xiao and
• Qingmin Ji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1201–1219, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.100

• affinity between proteins and chiral selectors. It was elucidated that stereoselective hydrophobic interactions are the major driving forces that govern protein adsorption on ʟ-Val-modified surfaces. Besides small biomolecules, biological macromolecules, such as proteins and enzymes, also show natural

Biomimetic chitosan with biocomposite nanomaterials for bone tissue repair and regeneration

• Se-Kwon Kim,
• Sesha Subramanian Murugan,
• Pandurang Appana Dalavi,
• Sebanti Gupta,
• Sukumaran Anil,
• Gi Hun Seong and
• Jayachandran Venkatesan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1051–1067, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.92

• -hydroxybutyrate) composites generates a hydrophilic environment which promotes cell motility, adhesion, and protein adsorption. Furthermore, the mixture enhances the surface roughness of the composites, stimulating bone cells to attach to the surface [108]. The different characteristics of the 3D porous collagen

• wettability and protein adsorption which can facilitate osteogenesis [129]. Biomaterials such as chitosan and its composites containing bioactive metals draw much attention in tissue engineering and regenerative applications. Chitosan-based composites are now being studied in wound healing, bone and cartilage

Comprehensive review on ultrasound-responsive theranostic nanomaterials: mechanisms, structures and medical applications

• Sepand Tehrani Fateh,
• Lida Moradi,
• Elmira Kohan,
• Michael R. Hamblin and
• Amin Shiralizadeh Dezfuli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 808–862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.64

Interactions at the cell membrane and pathways of internalization of nano-sized materials for nanomedicine

• Valentina Francia,
• Daphne Montizaan and
• Anna Salvati

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 338–353, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.25

• to reduce protein adsorption and corona formation. This can be achieved for instance by grafting hydrophilic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the surface of nanomedicines, or by introducing zwitterionic modifications to make nanomaterials almost neutral [42][43][44][45]. These

Using gold nanoparticles to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms: toward liquid biopsy

• María Sanromán Iglesias and
• Marek Grzelczak

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 263–284, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.20

• and selectivity of an assay. The inhibition of binding events by the corona layer may lead to false negatives, while corona-mediated unspecific binding leads to false positives. To minimize the protein adsorption, one can tailor the chemical composition of ligands by the use of zwitterionic compounds

The different ways to chitosan/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles: templated vs direct complexation. Influence of particle preparation on morphology, cell uptake and silencing efficiency

• Arianna Gennari,
• Julio M. Rios de la Rosa,
• Erwin Hohn,
• Maria Pelliccia,
• Enrique Lallana,
• Roberto Donno,
• Annalisa Tirella and
• Nicola Tirelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 2594–2608, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.250

• protein adsorption on chitosan-containing nanoparticles [14] and a receptor-mediated mechanism of internalization [15]. A larger size of the anionic component corresponds to a higher avidity toward chitosan, thus polyelectrolyte complexes are more stable but also difficult to reverse; this irreversibility

Serum type and concentration both affect the protein-corona composition of PLGA nanoparticles

• Katrin Partikel,
• Robin Korte,
• Dennis Mulac,
• Hans-Ulrich Humpf and
• Klaus Langer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 1002–1015, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.101

• cell line HepG2. Results: Our data revealed that the physiological environment critically affects the protein adsorption on PLGA NPs with significant impact on the NP–cell interaction. Under comparable conditions the protein amount forming the protein corona depends on the serum type used and the serum

• of a protein corona. The use of two substantially different serum types further allowed us to assess the effect of the source origin on the protein adsorption. FBS is a common additive in standard cell culture media for many human cell lines and is frequently used as protein source in corona studies

• asperities could lead to a higher surface area that would enhance the protein adsorption [20]. Therefore, we confirmed the spherical shape of the NPs and the smoothness of the surface by SEM (Figure 1). This allowed for a reliable examination of protein adsorption that will not be biased by effects of NP

Surface characterization of nanoparticles using near-field light scattering

• Eunsoo Yoo,
• Yizhong Liu,
• Chukwuazam A. Nwasike,
• Sebastian R. Freeman,
• Brian C. DiPaolo,
• Bernardo Cordovez and
• Amber L. Doiron

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1228–1238, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.114

• studies of reaction kinetics at the particle surface that result in changes in particle size, dielectric constant, or surface chemistry, which is of particular interest in protein adsorption to nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Results and Discussion Size, morphology, and elemental analysis of

Wafer-scale bioactive substrate patterning by chemical lift-off lithography

• Chong-You Chen,
• Chang-Ming Wang,
• Hsiang-Hua Li,
• Hong-Hseng Chan and
• Wei-Ssu Liao

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 311–320, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.31

• were first exposed to 10 mg/mL BSA for 5 min to reduce nonspecific protein adsorption. The patterned surfaces were then treated with 50 μg/mL streptavidin solution for 20 min followed by 20 min of 10 μg/mL FITC-labelled antistreptavidin antibody incubation. These substrates were all rinsed with

Low uptake of silica nanoparticles in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial barriers

• Dong Ye,
• Mattia Bramini,
• Delyan R. Hristov,
• Sha Wan,
• Anna Salvati,
• Christoffer Åberg and
• Kenneth A. Dawson

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 1396–1406, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.141

• , with no signs of agglomeration, though naturally serum protein adsorption increases the sizes. Table 1 also shows auxiliary dispersion characterisation by dynamic light scattering (DLS), leading to the same conclusions. Nanoparticle dispersions were prepared with and without FBS protein in order to

Micro- and nano-surface structures based on vapor-deposited polymers

• Hsien-Yeh Chen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 1366–1374, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.138

• restrictions in selecting substrate materials and geometries [69]. By using corona discharge treatment with gradually increasing power, the density of PEG was controlled with gradients to guide protein adsorption and platelet adhesion [70]. By also controlling polyatomic ion deposition to linearly increase the

Evaluation of quantum dot conjugated antibodies for immunofluorescent labelling of cellular targets

• Jennifer E. Francis,
• David Mason and
• Raphaël Lévy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 1238–1249, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.125

• protein adsorption and thus the formation of a protein corona [38]. Qdots with a zwitterionic surface have a zeta potential of near zero, are resistant to non-specific binding onto cells, and have a high colloidal stability [39]. Commercially available Qdot-Abs evaluated in this report were used in fixed

Vapor deposition routes to conformal polymer thin films

• Priya Moni,
• Ahmed Al-Obeidi and
• Karen K. Gleason

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 723–735, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.76

• that controlled protein adsorption [16]. Martin et al. used iCVD deposited conformal coatings of poly(dimethylaminomethylstyrene) on nylon fabric as antimicrobial agents again E. Coli and B. subtilis, as shown in Figure 6f [27]. Xu et al. demonstrated the benefit of iCVD over plasma enhanced polymer

Impact of surface wettability on S-layer recrystallization: a real-time characterization by QCM-D

• Jagoba Iturri,
• Ana C. Vianna,
• Alberto Moreno-Cencerrado,
• Dietmar Pum,
• Uwe B. Sleytr and
• José Luis Toca-Herrera

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 91–98, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.10

• , after a maximum, drops rapidly to much lower values. This peak appearance can be explained by a transitional step from mere protein adsorption (inducing an increase in ΔD) to a sudden stiffening of the film as SbpA keeps attaching. This behavior can be explained by the simultaneously ongoing

Effective intercalation of zein into Na-montmorillonite: role of the protein components and use of the developed biointerfaces

• Ana C. S. Alcântara,
• Margarita Darder,
• Pilar Aranda and
• Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1772–1782, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.170

• intercalation of gelatin into montmorillonite [4], other biohybrids also based on the assembly of smectite clays and proteins (e.g., bovine serum albumin, gelatin, casein or soy) have been vastly studied [5][6][7][8][9][10]. However, protein adsorption on montmorillonite clay can be considered a complex process

Nano- and microstructured materials for in vitro studies of the physiology of vascular cells

• Alexandra M. Greiner,
• Adria Sales,
• Hao Chen,
• Sarah A. Biela,
• Dieter Kaufmann and
• Ralf Kemkemer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1620–1641, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.155

• metal (Ni, Ti and Co) and polymer (PLGA and PCL) surfaces improved EC adhesion compared to flat surfaces [10][29][31][45]. It is possible that the increase in EC adhesion is due to an increase in ECM protein adsorption and/or change of cell adhesions sites of these proteins probably caused by the