Activating PEG host to enable spatially controlled surface functionalization of nanocarriers for biomedical applications.

ABSTRACT: Surface functionalization with biomolecules transforms nanocarriers by integrating a range of bioderived functionalities; however, conventional methods often yield low efficiency and uneven ligand distribution, and compromise the structural integrity of nanocarriers. Here, we introduce a breakthrough approach that activates the traditionally inert PEG corona, enabling precise and spatially controlled functionalization of nanocarriers with biologically relevant entities. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between pyrene and FITC, we confirm accurate spatial distribution of ligands. Our method achieves exceptional efficiency and stability, maintaining over 40% of functional molecules across three cycles of washing and resuspension under various aqueous conditions. In vitro a

SUBMITTER: Sun M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12629181 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature