Giant liposomes: from membrane dynamics to cell morphogenesis

Although a lipid bilayer is only several nanometers in thickness, giant lip osomes (GLs) make it possible to observe the dynamic features of individual membrane vesicles in real time with optical microscopy. Recent progress in GL preparation methods allows one to make reproducible image analyses of e ssential characteristics of membrane vesicles including fusion, division an d poration processes. As a model of living cells, morphological changes of GLs that encapsulate cytoskeletal filaments such as microtubules or F-actin can be investigated directly. Applications of GLs based on the advantages of their large size is described using patch clamps, injection, mechanical transducer and so on. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.