Engineered nanoparticles enable deep proteomics studies at scale by leveraging tunable nano-bio interactions

SignificanceDeep profiling of the plasma proteome at scale has been a challenge for traditional approaches. We achieve superior performance across the dimensions of precision, depth, and throughput using a panel of surface-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in comparison to conventional workflows for deep proteomics interrogation. Our automated workflow leverages competitive nanoparticle-protein binding equilibria that quantitatively compress the large dynamic range of proteomes to an accessible scale. Using machine learning, we dissect the contribution of individual physicochemical properties of nanoparticles to the composition of protein coronas. Our results suggest that nanoparticle functionalization can be tailored to protein sets. This work demonstrates the feasibility of deep, precise, unbiased plasma proteomics at a scale compatible with large-scale genomics enabling multiomic studies.

Characterization of the nano-bio interaction between metallic oxide nanomaterials and freshwater microalgae using flow cytometry

Since nanomaterials (NMs) are particulate contaminants, their first contact with organisms is a physical encounter ruled by physic-chemical processes that can determinate the potential NMs accumulation, toxicity, and trophic transfer. Freshwater ecosystems often become a final depository for NMs, so they can get in contact with the biota, especially primary organisms as algae. There are almost none comparative studies of this interaction using various NMs in the same conditions. This work identifies, analyzes, and compares the algae-NMs interaction by flow cytometry after a short-term contact test in which three freshwater algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata, Desmodesmus subspicatus, and Chlorella vulgaris) interact individually with a set of twelve metallic oxide NMs. Dose-response profiles and differences in the algae-NMs interaction were found according to each algae species (C. vulgaris had the most affinity, starting the interaction from 0.5 mg/L and D. subspicatus had the less affinity starting at 5 mg/L). Flow cytometry results were confirmed by optical microscopy. Some NMs characteristics were identified as key-factors that govern the algae-NMs interaction: NMs composition (no interaction for SiO₂ NMs), surface electric charge (higher interaction for the positively charged NMs and lower interaction for the negatively charged ones) and crystalline form (for TiO₂ NMs). The presented method can be useful for a rapid determination of the interaction between free cells organisms as microalgae and (nano)particulate substances.

Nanomedicine delivery: does protein corona route to the target or off road?

Nanomedicine aims to find novel solutions for urgent biomedical needs. Despite this, one of the most challenging hurdles that nanomedicine faces is to successfully target therapeutic nanoparticles to cells of interest in vivo. As for any biomaterials, once in vivo, nanoparticles can interact with plasma biomolecules, forming new entities for which the name protein coronas (PCs) have been coined. The PC can influence the in vivo biological fate of a nanoparticle. Thus for guaranteeing the desired function of an engineered nanomaterial in vivo, it is crucial to dissect its PC in terms of formation and evolution within the body. In this contribution we will review the 'good' and 'bad' sides of the PC, starting from the scientific aspects to the technological applications.