Protein corona of food nanoparticles: Implications for biological responses and future research directions

The rapid progress of nanotechnology has yielded innovative approaches to synthesize food nanoparticles (FNPs). In addition to the synthetic FNPs used as food additives and packaging materials, naturally occurring FNPs have been identified during food processing, raising concerns about its safety within living organisms. Notably, FNPs have been found to adsorb proteins during their transport through bodily fluids, resulting in the formation of protein coronas. These protein coronas impact the physicochemical properties of FNPs, as well as the structure and function of associated proteins, thereby influencing a wide range of biological responses. This review article presents an up-to-date overview of studies on the protein corona of FNPs, encompassing fundamental information such as classification, analytical methods, and composition. It also explores factors that influence protein corona formation and their implications for cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and the immune response. Finally, the review outlines future research directions for the protein corona of FNPs. The protein corona has the capacity to modify the in vivo behavior and biological effects of FNPs. The effects of protein coronas on the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of FNPs vary depending on the specific interaction circumstances. Additionally, changes in protein corona diversity and structure can lead to cellular pathway responses and immune responses.