S. K. Vasantham, E. Boltynjuk, S. H. Nandam, E. Berganza Eguiarte, H. Fuchs, H. Hahn, M. Hirtz

Adv. Mater. Interfaces 11 (2024) 2300721

Nanoglasses have attracted considerable interest among material scientists due to their novel and surprising properties. However, there is still a significant gap in understanding how nanoglasses interact with biomaterials and their effects on living cells. Previous cell studies have reported indications of possible proliferation effects, but a comprehensive understanding of differentiating nanoglass influences from distinct material or topography effects is yet to be established. In this study, the interaction between nanoglass surfaces and phospholipids, which are fundamental components of cell membranes, is investigated. The findings reveal a unique stabilizing effect exhibited by nanoglasses on structures created using lipid dip-pen nanolithography, preventing their spreading over the surface (“confinement”). This discovery suggests that nanoglasses can potentially influence the structure of cell membranes, providing a conceivable mechanism for how nanoglasses may impact cell behavior.