Gold nanoparticle self-assembly in saturated phospholipid monolayers.

Self-assembly of nanostructures on surfaces is a promising area in the emerging field of "bottom-up nanolithography". We describe a systematic analysis of hydrophobically capped gold nanoparticle (Au NP) assemblies created within monolayers of saturated phospholipids deposited at the air/water interface. We show that the Au NPs are segregated within the mixed monolayers, forming distinct configurations.