Nanoparticles Self-Assembly within Lipid Bilayers.

Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations are used to model the self-assembly of small hydrophobic nanoparticles (NPs) within the interior of lipid bilayers. The simulation results reveal the conditions under which NPs form clusters and lattices within lipid bilayers of planar and spherical shapes, depending on the NP-lipid coupling strengths. The formation of nanopores within spherical bilayers with self-assembled planar NPs is also described. These observations can provide guidance in the preparation of functional bio-inorganic systems.