Figure 1. Labeling schematic of low density lipoprotein.

Dodecanethiol coated gold nanocrystals were mixed with phospholipids and Cy5.5 lipids in CHCL₃. a, This solution was dripped into >70 °C H₂O, forming micelles enclosing a gold nanocrystal. b, The phospholipid coated gold nanocrystals were mixed with native LDL in PBS and sonicated yielding three different particles: free phospholipid-coated gold nanocrystals, native LDL, and native LDL with gold nanocrystals in the hydrophobic core. c, This solution was purified on a dual density gradient, resulting in a solution of gold labeled LDL nanoparticles (Au-LDL).