CHAPTER 1. Nanoparticle–Protein Corona Complex: Composition, Kinetics, Physico–Chemical Characterization, and Impact on Biomedical Applications

The recent thrust towards the production of novel nanomaterials has led to a realization of the limitless potential of these materials in myriad biomedical applications. In order to achieve the desired utility, these materials are expected to be exposed to a biological milieu where they would interact with suspended proteins and possibly develop a protein corona. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the desired physico–chemical properties of nanomaterials are intact after protein corona formation. Therefore, this chapter has been developed to provide readers with comprehensive information about the introduction of protein coronas, characterization techniques, factors affecting protein corona formation, and potential roles to achieve the desired biological applications and toxicity of the nanomaterial studied.