"The cell membrane is the biological platform for many vital processes such as photosynthesis, cell-cell contact, biomolecular recognition, endocytosis and ion transport. Artificial phospholipid membranes play an important role in unravelling the physical and chemical characteristics of membranes and their microscopic role in membrane function. On the other hand a manifold of novel hybrid nanosystems consisting of different nano-objects and exhibiting specific physical and chemical functions have been developed. This proposal aims at incorporating hybrid nanoparticle systems with specific optical functions into artificial and cell membranes in order to build up a nanophotonic toolbox for nanoscopic optical manipulators, local spectroscopic studies and the combination of both. This nanophotonic toolbox for membranes will open up novel strategies for the optical control of membrane function, the controlled optothermal release and lateral guiding as well as the local spectroscopy and analysis of biomolecules. The planned toolbox also contains new optical concepts for transfection and drug delivery."