Abstract:
Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are versatile and promising cell-sized bio-membrane mimetic platforms. Their
applications range from understanding and quantifying membrane biophysical processes to acting as elementary
blocks in the bottom-up assembly of synthetic cells. Definite properties and requisite goals in GUVs are dictated
by the preparation techniques critical to the success of their applications. Here, we review key advances in giant
unilamellar vesicle preparation techniques and discuss their formation mechanisms. Developments in lipid hydration
and emulsion techniques for GUV preparation are described. Novel microfluidic-based techniques
involving lipid or surfactant-stabilized emulsions are outlined. GUV immobilization strategies are summarized,
including gravity-based settling, covalent linking, and immobilization by microfluidic, electric, and magnetic
barriers. Moreover, some of the key applications of GUVs as biomimetic and synthetic cell platforms during the
last decade have been identified. Membrane interface processes like phase separation, membrane protein
reconstitution, and membrane bending have been deciphered using GUVs. In addition, vesicles are also employed
as building blocks to construct synthetic cells with defined cell-like functions comprising compartments, metabolic
reactors, and abilities to grow and divide. We critically discuss the pros and cons of preparation technologies
and the properties they confer to the GUVs and identify potential techniques for dedicated applications.
