Impact of Protein Corona Formation on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Function

Abstract

Nanotechnology is increasingly being utilized in drug delivery systems, leading to significant advancements in the field. As nanoparticles interact with the body's biological fluids, they prompt the surrounding proteins to create a halo of proteins known as Protein Corona. Objective: The aim of this research was to investigate how the formation of a protein corona impacts the functionality of various solid lipid nanoparticles. Materials and Method: In this study, nine different solid lipid nanoparticles were synthesized and the best sample in terms of toxicity was selected using the MTT test. The selected sample was then studied under four conditions: with and without the drug (Shikonin), with and without protein corona. The size and zeta potential, morphology using SEM, and drug release were studied. Additionally, the cytotoxicity was examined through MTT assay against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, along with cell uptake, apoptosis and necrosis detection, nuclear morphology using DAPI staining, and cell migration using scratch assay. Results: Nanoparticles derived from Compritol and Tween 20 demonstrated minimal toxicity in two separate scenarios, both with and without the presence of a protein corona. When comparing the nine synthesized nanoparticles, no significant differences were noted in their cellular uptake. The physicochemical analysis indicated that the size of the synthesized nanoparticles increased, while their zeta potential decreased following the absorption of protein corona on their surface. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies supported the dynamic light scattering (DLS) data and revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited round surface and spherical morphology. The protein corona enhanced the nanoparticles' effectiveness in regulating cell migration and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells affirmed by flourscent microscopy of DAPI stained cells.