Characterization of carbon nanotube protein corona by using quantitative proteomics

The protein corona of a nanomaterial is a complex layer of proteins spontaneously and stably formed when the material is exposed to body fluids or intracellular environments. In this study, we utilised stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative proteomics to characterise the binding of human cellular proteins to two forms of carbon nanoparticles: namely multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB). The relative binding efficiency of over 750 proteins to these materials is measured. The data indicate that MWCNTs and CB bind to vastly different sets of proteins. The molecular basis of selectivity in protein binding is investigated. This study is the first large-scale characterisation of protein corona on CNT, providing the biochemical basis for the assessment of the suitability of CNTs as biomedical tools, and as an emerging pollutant.From the Clinical EditorThis team of investigators performed the first large-scale characterization of protein corona on carbon nanotubes, studying 750 proteins and assessing the suitability of CNTs as biomedical tools and as an emerging pollutant.

Graphical AbstractWe used quantitative proteomics to characterise the protein coronas of two carbon-based nanomaterials: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB). We compared the binding efficiency of over 750 proteins to these two nanomaterials, and observed that MWCNTs and CB bind to vastly different sets of proteins. The functional and physicochemical properties of proteins with high affinities to MWCNTs are surveyed. This study is the first large-scale characterisation of protein corona on carbon nanomaterials, providing the biochemical basis for the assessment of the suitability of these materials as biomedical tools, and as an emerging pollutant.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (123 K)Download as PowerPoint slide