Concentration-dependent protein adsorption at the nano–bio interfaces of polymeric nanoparticles and serum proteins

A comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle (NP)-protein interaction (protein corona formation) is required. So far, many factors influencing this interaction have been investigated, like size and ζ potential. However, NPs exposure concentration has always been ignored. Herein, we aim to disclose the correlation of NPs exposure concentration with protein adsorption.Four polymeric NPs systems possessing similar sizes (230 ± 20 nm) but varied ζ potentials (-30 ∼ +40 mv) were prepared. Physicochemical properties and protein adsorption upon NP-protein interaction were characterized.Protein adsorption capacity and adsorbed protein types were NPs concentration-dependent.Considering the critical impacts of protein adsorption on NPs delivery, our work could be an urgent warning about the possible risks of dosage adjustment of nanoformulations.