Highly aspherical silica nanoshells by templating tubular liposomes

A dual-lipid liposome system consisting of a phospholipid and a skin ceramide extruded though a 100 nm membrane yields novel tubular and helical liposomes. These liposomes were used as templates to generate highly aspherical silica nanocapsules with length to diameter aspect ratios exceeding 10. Many of these nanocapsules have the morphology of a bulbous end attached to a long tip, mimicking microneedles attached to a reservoir. The fidelity of helical liposomes is transcribed to the silicas and the long tips indicate helically entwined left-handed silica structures. The silica coating is expected to protect and stabilize the internal contents of the liposomes, as well as enable surface functionalization for applications in drug or targeted delivery.