In vitro-in vivo correlation in nanocarriers: From protein corona to therapeutic implications

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2023-02, Vol.354, p.794-809
• Main Authors: Agnihotri, Tejas Girish, Alexander, Amit, Agrawal, Mukta, Dubey, Sunil Kumar, Jain, Aakanchha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellular uptake; Dissolution, biomolecules; IVIVC; Nanocarrier systems; Protein corona
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.063

Understanding and establishing a link between the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) and their biological interactions poses to be a great challenge in the field of nanotherapeutics. Recent analytical advancements concerning bio-nanointerfaces have accelerated the quest to comprehend the fate of nanocarrier systems in vivo. Scientists have discovered that protein corona, an adsorbed layer of biomolecules on the surface of NPs takes a leading part in interacting with cells and in the cellular uptake process, thereby determining the in vivo behaviour of NPs. Another useful method to assess the in vivo fate of NPs is by performing dissolution testing. This forms the basis for in vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC), relating in vitro dissolution of NPs and their in vivo properties. Scientists are continuously directing their efforts towards establishing IVIVC for different nanocarrier systems while concurrently gaining insights into protein corona. This review primarily summarizes the importance of protein corona and its interaction with nanoparticles. It also gives an insight into the factors affecting the interaction and various in vitro dissolution media used for varied nanocarrier systems. The article concludes with a discussion of the limitations of IVIVC modelling and its position from a regulatory perspective. The abstract represents how the in vitro (pre-formulation, drug release, dissolution) results of the experiments obtained in the wet labs could be related to their in vivo performance. [Display omitted]