Comparison of Dark-Field Microscopic and Fluorescence Spectral Studies on the Interaction of AuNPs/AgNPs with GUVs*

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are well-established model systems for studying lipid packing and membrane dynamics. With diameters in tens of microns, GUVs are easily observable using optical microscopy. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are well known for their biocompatibility and biomedical applications in drug and gene delivery. Meanwhile, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have long been known for their potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects for such applications as biomedical implants. In this study, we compare morphological data from the dark-field microscopy and the spectral data from the fluorescence of a lipid packing probe to understand how AuNPs and AgNPs interact with GUVs in different ways. What’s learned from this study can be used for future applications in nanomedicine and nanotechnology.