We propose a theoretical model for a quantum dot (QD)–lipid mixed system based on a
simple geometrical assumption for a single-component lipid (DOPC) monolayer
deformation profile. In this system, there are two possible states: a quantum dot–liposome
complex (QLC) state where QDs are incorporated into the lipid bilayer of the liposome,
and a quantum dot–micelle complex (QMC) state where an individual QD is covered by a
lipid monolayer. In this model, the elastic deformation energy of the QLC is smaller
(larger) than that of the QMC for the QD size smaller (larger) than a certain critical size.
Therefore, the QLC is a more stable state than the QMC for the QD size smaller than a
certain critical size. The prediction shown in this model is very consistent with our
recent experimental results. To our knowledge, this is the first theoretical model
that predicts the size dependence of the stability of the QD in the lipid bilayer.
Through the thermochemical control of a liquid droplet on a solid substrate, we investigated the motion of the droplet and the underlying mechanism. Depending on the contact angle of the running droplet on the substrate with a chemical gradient coating, we observed two different behaviors for the droplet under local laser heating: reversing for a contact angle larger than a critical value (∼90°) and passing for a smaller value. The motion at the laser heating position was found to be closely related to the contact angle change, indicating that capillary flow plays an important role in the thermally induced motion of the droplet.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.