Nano-bio interactions between silica nanoparticles and biologically relevant proteins: scientific and technological contributions based on the use of synchrotron research

Abstract

Precision medicine aims to overcome traditional theranostic methods that often lack efficacy. However, the gap between laboratory research and practical applications stems from a limited understanding of interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological systems. When exposed to biological fluids, NPs rapidly interact with biomolecules, forming an outer layer that plays a pivotal role in events such as immune responses, biodistribution, and toxicity. The adsorption of proteins onto NPs, known as the protein corona (PC), assumes a crucial role as a driver of undesirable biological responses and conformational alterations in proteins. Nevertheless, studies in this area have been limited in their ability to elucidate whether the interaction between NPs and relevant proteomes affects protein conformation and its relation to undesirable responses. Our proposal stands out by addressing the study of NP-protein interfaces, investigating conformations of model proteins in PC formation, and challenging NPs in more complex fluids, such as serum and plasma, under higher ionic forces. We will employ both conventional characterization techniques and synchrotron radiation-based methods, such as synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) to study PC structure and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to detect, monitor, and quantify PC, enabling a detailed understanding of the intricate nano-bio interface. The application of synchrotron radiation not only holds scientific significance but also represents an innovative technological approach. The anticipated results offer perspectives for safe and effective advances in precision medicine.