4(%3)3 - Ecole nationale supérieure de chimie de Montpellier

and SEM images. The translocation occurred in less pronounced fashion as compared to poly(styrene)but nevertheless certain number of NPs were able to pass through despite much bigger size. The stronginteraction between the NPs and micelles of the membrane as well huge size of the former had a clearnegative impact on the translocation as well as the healing process. The findings of this work are incontrast to the biological membranes whose structure is easily disrupted when nanoparticles diffusethrough them due to formation of pores, which in some cases can even destroy the cells permanently.Using a novel non-biological system, we further showed experimentally that dimensions, shape of anano-object, its interactions with the membrane and the external force govern its translocation across amembrane. These findings are in well accord with the simulation studies 12,20,47 done in the past involvinglipid membranes and much smaller nano-particles.99