Abstract
When nanoparticles (NPs) enter a physiological environment, they tend to adsorb proteins to form a so-called corona. A comprehensive understanding of the effect of protein corona on NPs' toxicity is required. Our previous study indicated that silica nanoparticles (SiO(2) NPs) exposure with different routes resulted in distinct brain damage; however, an exact molecular mechanism of protein corona on the regulation of SiO(2) NPs-induced damages needs further investigation. SiO(2) NPs exposure via intravenous injection may encounter a protein-rich bio-matrix, which drives the adsorption of serum protein on their surface to form a stable SiO(2) NPs@serum complex. On the contrary, SiO(2) NPs exposure via intranasal instillation remained their original feature, due to a protein infertile environment of cerebrospinal fluid. Apparently, surface adsorption of proteinaceous substances altered inherent toxic behavior of SiO(2) NPs. In addition, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) phosphorylate was found at different residues, which play an essential role in orchestrating apoptosis and autophagy threshold. Route-dependent corona formation determined GSK3β phosphorylation status and ultimately the toxic behavior of SiO(2) NPs. This work presented the evidence of bio-corona on the regulation of SiO(2) NPs-induced toxicity, which can be used to guide risk assessment of environmental NPs.