Role of proteins in the biosynthesis and functioning of metallic nanoparticles

Abstract

Proteins are known to play important roles in the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs), which are biological substitutes for conventionally used chemical capping and stabilizing agents. When a pristine nanoparticle comes in contact with a biological media or system, a bimolecular layer is formed on the surface of the nanoparticle and is primarily composed of proteins. The role of proteins in the biosynthesis and further uptake, translocation, and bio-recognition of nanoparticles is documented in the literature. But, a complete understanding has not been achieved concerning the mechanism for protein-mediated nanoparticle biosynthesis and the role proteins play in the interaction and recognition of nanoparticles, aiding its uptake and assimilation into the biological system. This review critically evaluates the knowledge and gaps in the protein-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles. In particular, we review the role of proteins in multiple facets of metallic nanoparticle biosynthesis, the interaction of proteins with metallic nanoparticles for recognition and interaction with cells, and the toxic potential of protein-nanoparticle complexes when presented to the cell.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Protein corona
• biosynthesis
• metallic nanoparticles
• protein-nanoparticle interaction
• nanoparticle-cell interaction
• toxicity studies
• biocompatibility

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the reviewers and associate editor for their comments that assisted in improving the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing or conflict of interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India.