Properties of giant vesicles

We have discussed the specific properties of giant vesicles and their use a s model systems for fluid interfaces and biomembranes. Recent advances in g iant vesicle research include systematic measurements of visco-elastic para meters as a function of membrane composition, experiments with water-solubl e amphiphiles and active membranes, as well as the investigation of hydrody namic interactions. Notably, it has finally been possible to measure sponta neous curvatures of membranes for a variety of different systems. Experimen tally, spontaneous curvature has been a somewhat obscure quantity so far. F urthermore, vesicles have been used to construct bioelectronic devices and new classes of vesicles made of polymers were introduced. (C) 2000 Publishe d by Elsevier Science Ltd.