Characterization of nanoparticles in biological environments

In biological fluids, biomolecules associate with nanoparticles, leading to the formation of a dynamic biomolecule ""corona"" that critically defines the biological identity of the particle. As the bio-physical properties of such decorated particles often differ significantly from those of the formulated particles, a detailed characterization of nanoparticles in biological environments becomes increasingly important though also technically challenging. We introduce experimental methods currently employed for nanoparticle characterization and present examples underlining the complexity of the nano-bio interface. A deep and mechanistic bio-physical understanding of the nano-bio interface is a challenge but also a fundamental prerequisite for future applications in nanobiology, nanomedicine and nano(eco)toxicology.