Nanoscale Confinement of Dip-Pen Nanolithography Written Phospholipid Structures on CuZr Nanoglasses

In the realm of materials science, nanoglasses have intrigued researchers due to their unconventional properties. However, their interaction with biomaterials and their effects on living cells remain insufficiently understood. Previous studies hinted at proliferation effects, but distinguishing these from other material or topography effects has been challenging. In this research, we explored how nanoglass surfaces interact with phospholipids, crucial components of cell membranes. Our study uncovered a distinctive confinement effect exhibited by nanoglasses on lipid structures patterned with dip-pen nanolithography. Dip-pen Nanolithography with phospholipids (<b>L-DPN</b>) utilizes the fine tip of an atomic force microscope, covered with phospholipid mixtures, for writing nanostructures of lipid membranes onto various substrates. These structures are used as probes for the lipid/nanoglass interaction. Our study revealed distinct differences between homogeneous (regular) metal glasses and their nanoglass counterparts of same chemical composition in regard to lipid spreading and membrane organization. Our findings show that nanoglasses interact profoundly different with L-DPN written membranes, which suggests a potential influence on cell membrane structures. The results can shed light on a possible mechanism for their impact on cell behavior and can inform future studies on nanoglass/cell interactions.