Incorporation of quantum dots into the lipid bilayer of giant unilamellar vesicles and its stability

► Micron-sized CdSe Quantum dot-Liposome Complexes (QLCs) are prepared by employing the electroswelling method combined with spin coating techniques. ► The QD size dependence for QLC formation is examined by changing the QD size in a mixture of lipid/QD. ► The existence of QDs in the lipid bilayer is confirmed through negative staining TEM with sectioning. ► These results are compared with predictions derived from numerical calculations on the elastic energy related to the deformation of the lipid bilayer around a QD.