Amphiphilic nanoparticles generate curvature in lipid membranes and shape liposome-liposome interfaces

We show by molecular dynamics that amphiphilic Au nanoparticles (NP) with a diameter of 4 nm generate curvature in phosphatidylcholine lipid membranes. NPs generate negative curvature when they adsorb on the membrane surface but, as they get spontaneously and progressively embedded into the membrane core, the curvature turns positive. As membrane embedding is kinetically slow, both configurations can be observed by Cryo-EM. NP-induced curvature explains the peculiar structure of liposome-liposome interfaces in presence of NPs.

Automated summary

Research has shown that amphiphilic Au nanoparticles with a diameter of 4 nm can induce curvature in phosphatidylcholine lipid membranes, affecting the membrane structure. By investigating the behavior of NPs on the membrane surface and within the membrane core, different curvature generation processes can be observed.