Interaction of Nanoparticles With Proteins

Introduction

The world of science and technology has undergone a paradigm shift with the advent of nanoparticles. Their nanoscale dimensions give rise to extraordinary physicochemical properties that set them apart from bulk materials(Fei & Perrett, 2009; Gu et al., 2006; Wu et al., 2009). This transformative leap has propelled nanoparticles into the forefront of scientific exploration, with their utility spanning diverse domains, including medicine, materials science, and environmental remediation.At the nanoscale, nanoparticles exhibit a remarkable ratio of surface area to volume, granting them exceptional properties. Quantum confinement effects, resulting from the confinement of electrons within a limited space, lead to altered optical, electronic, and magnetic behaviors(Kaur et al., 2020; R. C. Thakur et al., 2020). This quantum behavior has triggered a new era of research, enabling the development of quantum dots for high-resolution imaging and quantum computing.In medicine, nanoparticles have engendered a revolution in targeted drug delivery. By engineering nanoparticles to encapsulate drugs and attach targeting ligands, scientists can precisely deliver therapeutics to specific cells or tissues. This personalized approach enhances treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects on healthy tissues, offering a profound advancement in patient care(Cagliani et al., 2019; Karmali & Simberg, 2011).Additionally, materials science has witnessed a resurgence due to nanoparticles' incorporation. Their high surface area enables the creation of catalysts with an abundance of active sites, revolutionizing catalysis. Nanoparticles also enable the production of nanocomposites, materials with tailored properties such as enhanced mechanical strength or thermal conductivity. Such innovations redefine material limits and open avenues for novel applications.

Nanoparticles' impact on medicine is nothing short of revolutionary. Targeted drug delivery revolutionizes therapeutic approaches by minimizing side effects and improving drug bioavailability. Functionalized nanoparticles serve as carriers, delivering drugs directly to affected cells while bypassing healthy tissues. This precision results in enhanced therapeutic outcomes and reduced treatment-related discomfort.Beyond drug delivery, nanoparticles play a pivotal role in medical imaging(Li & Lee, 2020; Malatesta, 2021). Their unique optical properties offer superior contrast in imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Contrast agents based on nanoparticles provide clinicians with clearer insights into anatomical and molecular details, facilitating early disease detection and accurate diagnostics.Materials science has been reinvigorated by nanoparticles' entry. Their vast surface area-to-volume ratio grants them properties distinct from bulk materials. In catalysis, this translates to enhanced reactivity and selectivity, enabling efficient and environmentally friendly chemical transformations. Nanoparticles serve as catalysts, accelerating reactions with unprecedented efficiency and precision(Nidhi & Kaur, 2022a).Additionally, nanocomposites, materials comprising nanoparticles dispersed in a matrix, exhibit remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. These materials find applications in industries ranging from aerospace to electronics, revolutionizing product design and performance. Nanoparticle incorporation allows the creation of lightweight yet strong materials that redefine the limits of traditional engineering materials.