Phospholipid Bilayer Softening Due to Hydrophobic Gold Nanoparticle Inclusions
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
11-6-2018
Abstract
Liposome-nanoparticle assemblies (LNAs) are vital in the context of novel targeted drug-delivery systems, in addition to investigating nanoparticle-lipid bilayer interactions. Quantifying membrane structural properties and dynamics in presence of nanoparticle inclusions provides a simple model to elucidate nanoparticle effects on membrane biophysical properties. We present experimental evidences of bilayer softening due to small hydrophobic gold nanoparticle inclusions. LNA structure has been investigated by a combination of cryo-transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small-angle neutron scattering. Neutron spin echo spectroscopy demonstrated a remarkable ∼15% bending modulus decrease for LNAs relative to pure liposomes. Clear dependence of bending modulus on gold nanoparticle diameter and concentration was observed from our observations. Our findings point toward local bilayer fluidization by nanoparticle inclusions leading to an overall bilayer softening. These findings add valuable information to liposomal drug-delivery vehicle design and membrane biophysics research.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Langmuir
Volume
34
Issue
44
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Chakraborty, Saptarshi, Akram Abbasi, Geoffrey D. Bothun, Michihiro Nagao, and Christopher L. Kitchens. "Phospholipid Bilayer Softening Due to Hydrophobic Gold Nanoparticle Inclusions." Langmuir 34, 44 (2018): 13416-13425. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02553.