Substrate effects on interactions of lipid bilayer assemblies with bound nanoparticles

Understanding the interactions of nanoparticles with lipid membranes is crucial in establishing the mechanisms that govern assembly of membrane-based nanocomposites, nanotoxicology, and biomimetic inspired self-assembly. In this study, we explore binding of charged nanoparticles to lipid bilayers, both as liposomes and substrate supported assemblies. We find that the presence of a solid-support, regardless of curvature, eliminates the ability of zwitterionic fluid phase lipids to bind charged nanoparticles.

Graphical abstractSchematic description of the influence of a substrate on the binding of charged nanoparticles to a zwitterionic lipid bilayer.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (78 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Supported lipid bilayers versus bilayer vesicles respond differently to nanoparticles. ► Solid supports limit lipid reconfiguration that allows for nanoparticle binding. ► The effect is limited to zwitterionic lipids.