Tuning the Functional Properties of Nanocarriers Using Tunable Nano-Biointerfaces

Abstract

Tuning the functional properties of nanocarriers has gained increasing interest in recent years as a key strategy to accelerate the clinical translation of nanomedicine. Once nanocarriers come into contact with a biological fluid such as blood, interactions occur at the nanocarrier/biological fluid interface that alter the identity of the nanocarriers. As knowledge in this field is rapidly evolving, this review highlights some of the latest developments (2021 to early 2025) and covers the significant findings in the field of the nano-biointerface. Specifically, the current obstacles in achieving the goal of targeting are addressed with emphasis on the formation and impact of the adsorbed proteins, the so-called protein corona. The strategies to overcome these obstacles are explored by rational design of nanocarriers using biomimetic coatings (proteins and membranes) to enhance favorable interactions between nanocarriers and biological systems. The challenges in the current strategies such as problems related to the gold standard (poly(ethylene glycol)ylation), availability for targeting proteins (functionalization, structural integrity), etc., and current alternatives to overcome the obstacles are discussed. Finally, some future perspectives are discussed to facilitate the clinical translation of nanomedicine.