A Nano‐Anchor for Anti‐Drift Vesicle Imaging

ABSTRACT

Microscopic imaging remains the primary strategy for studying naturally‐derived or biomimetic membrane systems. Long‐term tracking requires both a stable three‐dimensional focal plane and minimal target displacement. This poses a significant challenge for non‐adherent cells or vesicles that tend to migrate due to gravity, temperature fluctuation, air flow, and environmental vibration. Herein, we present a non‐destructive immobilization technique, using glutaraldehyde‐modified UiO‐66‐NH ₂ nanoparticles as anchors to prevent drifting of membrane systems. Demonstrated using a giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) model that features cell‐like morphology and adjustable membrane lipid composition, the uniform anchoring modification retains membrane structural integrity and fluidity‐related properties, including vesicle self‐deformation and fusion between oppositely charged GUVs. The nano‐anchor enables rapid immobilization of GUVs and semi‐adherent cells on glass slides within 5 min under ambient conditions. Furthermore, this technology is well‐suited for imaging applications that require high stability and precision, as evidenced by photobleaching recovery analysis and 3D reconstructions of lipid raft microdomains. Therefore, the anti‐drift nano‐anchor approach facilitates versatile studies across on‐membrane and intermembrane processes.