Recent Advances in Understanding the Facets of Eco‑corona on Engineered Nanomaterials

Abstract

The global disposal of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment
and their subsequent impact on environmental organisms has been a ris‑
ing concern over the years. Research studies so far have been mainly
focused on evaluating the behavior and toxicity of these NPs in their
pristine state. However, in a complex environmental system, NPs owing
to their high surface reactivity will adsorb several ecological molecules.
This leads to the formation of a biomolecular layer onto their surface
often known as “eco-corona”. These interactions occurring at the inter‑
facial region between the surface of the nanomaterial and the exposure
media alters the identity of the NPs. The current review highlights how
the prevalence of NPs-eco-corona complex brought a paradigm shift in
the understanding of environmental science. The current review elabo‑
rates on the updated analytical techniques and characterization methods
utilized for studying the nano–bio interface exclusively from an environ‑
mental point of view. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the composition
of the eco-corona-rich layer has been elaborated. We present a critical
interpretation of binding modes involved in the formation of the NP-ecocorona complex. Furthermore, the strategic ways of utilizing ecological
molecules associated with NPs for the generation of a cleaner environ‑
ment have been elaborated. Considering the detrimental effects of NPs
on aquatic organisms, a dedicated section exclusively illustrates the toxi‑
cological ramifcations of eco-coronated NPs in marine and freshwater
ecosystems. Through the current review, we intend to provide a better
sense of how NPs transform in ecological mediums and suggest possible
ways to make experimental studies more environmentally sound