This switch is essential for the nanoparticle's journey: In the bloodstream, ionizable lipids stay neutral, preventing toxicity.

The researchers now would use the same lipid nanoparticle delivery concept -- the same materials even -- but with a protein payload.

Yet, the efficacy of this approach depends on various factors such as nanoparticle type and solvent choice, necessitating a systematic analysis for optimal metasurface performance.

In their research, the team meticulously designed experiments to evaluate the impact of nanoparticle concentration and solvent selection on pattern transfer and UV metaholograms.

A nanoparticle is a fleck of material ranging in size approximately between 1 and 100 nanometers.