Methodological Advances in Measuring Protein Corona Formation Dynamics

When nanomaterials interact with biological environments, they rapidly acquire a protein corona that defines their biological identity and strongly influences stability, biodistribution, cellular interactions, and functional performance. While the composition of the protein corona has been widely investigated, its dynamic formation and temporal evolution remain insufficiently understood. Capturing these processes is essential for transitioning from static descriptions to predictive and rational nanomaterial designs for biomedical applications.This Research Topic focuses on experimental, computational, and theoretical methods in order to elucidate the dynamics of protein corona formation, emphasizing kinetic processes such as competitive adsorption, exchange, reversibility, and restructuring under biologically relevant conditions. We particularly welcome studies on how parameters such as protein concentration, medium complexity, flow, temperature, and nanomaterial physicochemical properties influence corona evolution. Contributions may employ time-resolved and label-free techniques, fluorescence-based and spectroscopic approaches, surface-sensitive methods, microfluidic platforms, and advanced separation strategies to probe transient corona states, especially those involving methodological advances that improve temporal resolution, quantification or reproducibility. Computational approaches such as molecular simulations, kinetic and thermodynamic modeling, multiscale frameworks, and machine learning are welcomed to provide mechanistic or predictive insight. Reviews and Short Communications that critically compare methods, synthesize findings, clarify convergent or divergent results, and discuss reasons for discrepancies are especially encouraged to promote greater consistency and standardization in the field.Overall, this Research Topic seeks to integrate complementary methodologies to advance a coherent and mechanistic understanding of protein corona dynamics. In view of this, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Time-resolved characterization of protein corona formation, from initial adsorption events to long-term equilibration and hard/soft corona evolution• Experimental and analytical methods to monitor corona dynamics in real time • Influence of nanoparticle physicochemical properties on corona formation pathways• Role of biological environment complexity, including single-protein systems versus complex biofluids • Exchange dynamics and competitive binding between biomolecules, including protein displacement and Vroman-like effects• Correlation between corona dynamics and biological identity of nanoparticles, including cellular recognition and fate• Integration of computational, theoretical, and data-driven models to describe and predict corona formation kinetics• Methodological challenges and standardization, including reproducibility, artefacts, and comparability across platforms Topic editors: Charles Ramassamy, Ahmad Sohrabi Kashani Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86474/methodological-advances-in-measuring-protein-corona-formation-dynamics