From surface design to cellular Response: Insights into aryl-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles with and without protein corona

Abstract

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely utilized in biomedical and industrial applications due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, superparamagnetism, and ease of functionalization. However, their behavior in biological environments is heavily influenced by surface functionalization and the formation of the protein corona. This study investigates the impact of aryl-functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles with carboxylic and amine groups on colloidal stability, protein corona formation, and biological interactions. The IONPs were synthesized and characterized for their physicochemical properties, including size, zeta potential, magnetic properties, and dispersibility in different media. The interaction of the nanoparticles with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers, as a model membrane, was evaluated. Cytotoxicity and autophagy induction were assessed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) and cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, respectively. The results demonstrate that surface functionalization significantly alters protein corona composition, which in turn modulates nanoparticle stability, cellular uptake, and biological responses. The aryl-functionalized nanoparticles exhibited reduced interactions with cell membranes compared to unfunctionalized counterparts, and also lower autophagy induction, emphasizing the importance of surface design in minimizing adverse effects.