Imaging nanoscale patterns on biologically derived microstructures

We have demonstrated a new approach for imaging nanoscale patterns on three -dimensional submicrometer structures using charged particles. Nanoparticle structures were assembled onto lipid tubules through the sequential adsorp tion of oppositely charged polymers and silica spheres. For tubules of the zwitterionic lipid DCB8,11PC, this process leads to the formation of caps o n the ends of the tubules, with 50-100 silica spheres in each cap. For tubu les of DC8,11PC mixed with 2% of the charged lipid DC8,9PEOH, the sequentia l adsorption leads to both end caps and helices of nanoparticles winding ar ound the interior of the tubules. These results give new insight into the p attern of charge in lipid tubules.