Peptide position determines whether gold nanoparticles branch or stay spherical
Researchers at the Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered that the positioning of biomineralization peptides within liposomes dictates the shape of gold nanoparticles. Peptides at the membrane interface create branched structures, while those inside the liposome promote spherical growth.
Why it matters
This finding provides a precise method for controlling nanoparticle synthesis, which is critical for advancements in medical sensing, catalysis, and imaging technologies.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Structural characterization of Au/liposome complexes synthesized using B3 peptide and DOPC:DOPE liposomes. Credit: Advanced Functional Materials (2026). DOI: 10.1002/adfm.77792 The position of biomineralization peptides within liposomes can influence how gold nanoparticles grow, reports a research team from the Institute of Science Tokyo. Peptides localized at the membrane interface promote branched structures, while those confined to the liposome interior favor spherical nanoparticles. The findings offer a new strategy for controlling nanoscale reaction environments in nanoparticle synthesis.
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