Motivated by the general interests in endocytosis, virus transfection and utilization of nanoparticles as cargo for drug delivery, this study focuses on the binding of nanoparticles to model lipid bilayers and the interactions between them. Exploring on ensemble level, with the help of calorimetry, and on molecule level, spying by fluorescence probes, we surprisingly discovered that the bound nanoparticles captured and slaved the lipids underneath, which results in lipid packing fluctuations, thereby producing rafts in the bilayers. Bearing this insight in mind, we expect coupled motions of lipid and nanoparticles to occur. Even going further, collective responses of lipid molecules cast light on the role of membrane as a sensor to an external stimulus.

(Philosophical) Live, then, and be happy, and never forget that until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words—Wait and Hope. (From the Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas Pere)

(Scientific) Alles Gescheite ist schon gedacht worden, man muss nur versuchen, es noch einmal zu denken. [Everything worthwhile and intelligent has already been thought. One can only try to think it over again.] (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)