MSACL 2025 Abstract

Protein Corona Formation and Cellular Effects of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Based on Pre-Coated Bovine Serum Albumin Concentration

Sun Young Lee (1), Jae Won Choi (1,2), Tae Geol Lee (1), Min Beom Heo (1) and Jin Gyeong Son (1)
(1) Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science(KRISS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea (2) Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Jin Gyeong Son, Doctor (Presenter) KRISS

Presenter Bio: Jin Gyeong Son, Ph.D. is a Principal Research Scientist at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), specializing in nano-bio measurement and biomedical metrology. She received her Ph.D. in Chemistry from KAIST and has extensive experience in surface analysis, mass spectrometry imaging, and proteomics. Her research focuses on protein corona formation, nanoparticle interactions, and advanced imaging techniques for biomedical applications. Dr. Son has contributed significantly to the field with numerous peer-reviewed publications. Her work aims to enhance nanomaterial characterization and improve the understanding of biomolecular interactions at the nano-bio interface.

Relevant Financial Disclosures (within past 24 months, reported on Mar 18, 2025) No relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose. Conflict mitigation NOT REQUIRED.

INTRODUCTION:
The formation of a protein corona (PC) on nanomaterials upon exposure to biological environments significantly influences their cellular interactions and biocompatibility. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been widely studied for biomedical applications; however, their cellular effects vary depending on surface modifications. In this study, we investigate how pre-coating MWCNTs with different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) affects PC composition and cellular responses in A549 lung epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to (i) determine how BSA pre-coating concentration influences PC composition on MWCNTs, (ii) analyze secondary structural changes in adsorbed proteins, and (iii) evaluate the impact of these modifications on cellular uptake and intracellular signaling pathways.

METHODS:
MWCNTs were pre-incubated with varying concentrations of BSA (0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL) to form stabilized PC layers. Spectroscopic (circular dichroism, Fourier-transform infrared) and mass spectrometric (nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS) analyses were performed to characterize protein structures and compositions. Cellular uptake was quantified using optical absorption measurements, and proteomic analysis was conducted to assess intracellular responses in A549 cells.

RESULTS:
BSA pre-coating influenced both PC composition and secondary protein structures. Higher BSA concentrations (≥5 mg/mL) led to increased α-helix content and reduced cellular uptake of MWCNTs. Proteomic analysis revealed differential regulation of ribosomal and oxidative phosphorylation pathways at low BSA concentrations, whereas higher concentrations primarily affected mRNA surveillance pathways. These findings suggest that the protein corona composition dictates cellular interactions more than the intrinsic properties of MWCNTs.

CONCLUSION:
Pre-coating MWCNTs with BSA alters protein corona formation and downstream cellular responses in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results highlight the importance of surface modifications in nanomaterial biocompatibility and provide insights for designing safer nanocarrier systems.