Protein corona over silver nanoparticles triggers conformational change of proteins and drop in bactericidal potential of nanoparticles: Polyethylene glycol capping as preventive strategy.

Here, we demonstrated that starch-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPST) with a size range of 10-15nm could readily interact with a small protein bovine α-lactalbumin (BLA) through the formation of protein corona. We further observed that such phenomena not only caused structural change of BLA but drastic drop in the bactericidal potential of AgNP. To design a strategy towards minimizing protein adsorption and maximizing the retention of bactericidal potential of AgNP, we developed stable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-capped AgNP (AgNPPEG) that clearly demonstrated reduced conformational changes of protein and retention of substantial bactericidal potential of AgNPPEG, compared to AgNPST. Moreover, AgNPPEG also showed excellent hemocompatibility. A relatively larger protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human blood serum solution containing serum proteins were also used in this study to validate our hypotheses. Overall, our study established that protein coated AgNP losses its inherent bactericidal potential substantially; however, when functionalized with a suitable material such as PEG, it could reduce such drop in substantial amount. Moreover, it achieved improved biocompatibility in actual physiological condition that might find a better therapeutic avenue in many bacteria-mediated disorders.