Mechanistic Insight into Protein Corona Formation on Nanocarbon Materials

Abstract

Nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are coated by proteins in early stages of their uptake into biological systems. The protein layers around the nanomaterial surfaces are called protein corona, which determines the fate pathways and biological impacts of the nanomaterials. However, little is known about interactions of proteins with the nanomaterials during protein corona formation. In this work, we discovered that CNTs form thick and dense protein layers on their surfaces and induce oxidative stress on the proteins. The proposed protein oxidation mechanism will advance the fundamental understanding of the biological safety and toxicity of nanomaterials.

Graphical Abstract