Fig. 3: Synthesis and characterization of Pep/Gal-PNPs.

a, b The size and zeta potential of nanoparticles under different pH conditions. Data are presented as the mean ± SD (n = 3 biologically independent experiments). c Cryo-TEM images of nanoparticles. d Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of nanoparticles under fluid conditions. 3D modeling images, height maps, and height profiles of Pep-PNPs (top row) and Pep/Gal-PNPs (bottom row) at pH 6.8 and 7.4. Scale bar: height map, 100 nm. The thickness of ligand corona around the nanoparticles (as indicated by the arrows in the height map) was analyzed using NanoScope Analysis software. Representative images are presented, and the data are means ± SD (n = 3 biologically independent experiments). Source data are provided as a Source Data file.