Nanoscale characterization of the biomolecular corona by cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, and image simulation

Sara Sheibani (), Kaustuv Basu, Ali Farnudi, Aliakbar Ashkarran, Muneyoshi Ichikawa, John F. Presley, Khanh Huy Bui, Mohammad Reza Ejtehadi (), Hojatollah Vali and Morteza Mahmoudi ()
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Sara Sheibani: McGill University
Kaustuv Basu: McGill University
Ali Farnudi: Sharif University of Technology
Aliakbar Ashkarran: Michigan State University
Muneyoshi Ichikawa: McGill University
John F. Presley: McGill University
Khanh Huy Bui: McGill University
Mohammad Reza Ejtehadi: Sharif University of Technology
Hojatollah Vali: McGill University
Morteza Mahmoudi: Michigan State University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The biological identity of nanoparticles (NPs) is established by their interactions with a wide range of biomolecules around their surfaces after exposure to biological media. Understanding the true nature of the biomolecular corona (BC) in its native state is, therefore, essential for its safe and efficient application in clinical settings. The fundamental challenge is to visualize the biomolecules within the corona and their relationship/association to the surface of the NPs. Using a synergistic application of cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-electron tomography, and three-dimensional reconstruction, we revealed the unique morphological details of the biomolecules and their distribution/association with the surface of polystyrene NPs at a nanoscale resolution. The analysis of the BC at a single NP level and its variability among NPs in the same sample, and the discovery of the presence of nonspecific biomolecules in plasma residues, enable more precise characterization of NPs, improving predictions of their safety and efficacies.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20884-9

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