From aggregation to stabilization: the role of biomolecular corona formation on polyethylene nanoparticles in saline environments
Abstract
In the environment, nanoplastics are covered with a conditioning film composed of various biomolecules present in the surrounding medium. The environmental behavior of nanoplastics in aquatic systems is therefore strongly influenced by the interactions established with these macromolecules. However, these interactions and, more broadly, the role of the eco-corona on nanoplastics are not yet well understood. In this study, the formation of biomolecular coronas on model nanoparticles of polyethylene and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) was investigated, with a particular focus on their stabilization in saline environments. Three biomolecules were selected as stabilizers: bovine serum albumin, ulvans, and extracellular polymeric substances derived from marine microorganisms. The adsorption processes, corona thickness and colloidal stability were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. It was observed that polysaccharides were adsorbed in the form of multilayers, while proteins mainly formed monolayers. Furthermore, the formation of a stable corona was found to prevent aggregation and maintain colloidal behavior in seawater without adding other surfactants. This work provides new insights into the role played by macromolecules in the biofilm matrix in modulating the transport and potential impacts of nanoplastics in marine environments.
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BibTeX
@article{jacquin2026from,
title = {{From aggregation to stabilization: the role of biomolecular corona formation on polyethylene nanoparticles in saline environments}},
author = {Lea Jacquin and Thomas Perrault and Guillaume Brotons and Muriel Lansalot and Élodie Bourgeat-Lami and Vincent Monteil and Fabrice Brunel},
journal = {Environmental science.Nano},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1039/d6en00626d},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05737980v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - From aggregation to stabilization: the role of biomolecular corona formation on polyethylene nanoparticles in saline environments
AU - Lea Jacquin
AU - Thomas Perrault
AU - Guillaume Brotons
AU - Muriel Lansalot
AU - Élodie Bourgeat-Lami
AU - Vincent Monteil
AU - Fabrice Brunel
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/12
JO - Environmental science.Nano
DO - 10.1039/d6en00626d
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05737980v1
AB - In the environment, nanoplastics are covered with a conditioning film composed of various biomolecules present in the surrounding medium. The environmental behavior of nanoplastics in aquatic systems is therefore strongly influenced by the interactions established with these macromolecules. However, these interactions and, more broadly, the role of the eco-corona on nanoplastics are not yet well understood. In this study, the formation of biomolecular coronas on model nanoparticles of polyethylene and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) was investigated, with a particular focus on their stabilization in saline environments. Three biomolecules were selected as stabilizers: bovine serum albumin, ulvans, and extracellular polymeric substances derived from marine microorganisms. The adsorption processes, corona thickness and colloidal stability were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. It was observed that polysaccharides were adsorbed in the form of multilayers, while proteins mainly formed monolayers. Furthermore, the formation of a stable corona was found to prevent aggregation and maintain colloidal behavior in seawater without adding other surfactants. This work provides new insights into the role played by macromolecules in the biofilm matrix in modulating the transport and potential impacts of nanoplastics in marine environments.
SN - 2051-8153
ER -