Abstract
The immobilization of membrane-bound molecules on organic-inorganic cholesteryl-succinyl silane (CSS) nanofibers is investigated. Fluorescent microscopy and a cell capture assay confirm the stable and functional immobilization of membrane-bound antibodies and imaging agents on the electrospun CSS nanofibers. An insert-and-tighten mechanism is proposed for the observed hydration-induced reduction in lipid nanofiber diameter, the immobilization of membrane-bound molecules, and the improved efficiency of cell capture by the functionalized CSS nanofibers over their film counterparts. The ability to stably and functionally immobilize membrane-bound molecules on the CSS nanofibers presents a promising method to functionalize lipid-based nanomaterials.