Real‐Time Detection of Nanoparticles Interaction with Lipid Membranes Using an Integrated Acoustical and Electrical Multimode Biosensor

Abstract

Understanding interactions of nanoparticles with biomembranes is critical in nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology. The underlying mechanisms still remain unclear due to the fact that there are no reliable tools to follow such complex processes. In this work, the interactions between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) are monitored in situ by a multimode biosensor integrating a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation function (QCM‐D) and a field effect transistor (FET). Real‐time responses of frequency shift (Δf), dissipation (ΔD), and ion current (ΔI) are simultaneously recorded to provide complementary information for AuNPs translocation across the SLB. The combined mass loading, mechanical and electrical measurements reveal the dynamics of the particle–membrane interactions as well as the formation of transient pores or permanent defects in the membrane. AuNPs with different diameters, surface charge, and ligand properties are used to study their translocation behaviors, including adsorption on or desorption from the membrane surface, diffusion into or penetration through the lipid bilayer. This multimode sensing approach provides insights into the mechanism of the particle–membrane interactions and suggests a method of label‐free screening of nanomaterials' interaction with model membranes in a real‐time manner.

Transmembrane Potential Monitoring Using a Field‐Effect Transistor‐Based Flexible Device System

“…A similar protocol was used previously by our groups to detect the membrane permeation behavior of nanoparticles by FET. [33] The above results suggest that alpha-hemolysin can be effectively incorporated into supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), leading to discernible electrical responses. This implies that the device exhibits the potential for dependable electrical monitoring of transmembrane signals.…”