Biotin (IMAGE) DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Caption Gold nanoparticles embedded in a lipid bilayer membrane can be coupled to biomolecules for the study of specific cellular functions. Here gold nanoparticles have been coupled to biotin (vitamin B7), which plays an essential role in cell growth. Credit Groves, et. al Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.