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

The global disposal of nanoparticles (NPs) in the environment and their subsequent impact on environmental organisms has been a rising 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 interfacial 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 elaborates on the updated analytical techniques and characterization methods utilized for studying the nano–bio interface exclusively from an environmental 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-eco-corona complex. Furthermore, the strategic ways of utilizing ecological molecules associated with NPs for the generation of a cleaner environment have been elaborated. Considering the detrimental effects of NPs on aquatic organisms, a dedicated section exclusively illustrates the toxicological ramifications 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.