The key role of protein-nanoparticle interactions in nanomedicine and
nanotoxicity has begun to emerge recently with the development of the
idea of the nanoparticle-protein ‘corona’. This dynamic layer of proteins
(and other biomolecules) adsorbs to nanoparticle surfaces immediately
upon contact with living systems. While within the biomaterials field the
role of adsorbed molecules in cellular responses is acknowledged, there
are several new issues at stake where nanoparticles are concerned. We
show here that highly selective protein adsorption, added to the fact
that particles can reach subcellular locations, results in significant new
potential impacts for nanoparticles on protein interactions and cellular
behavior