Vesicle reconstitution from lipid-detergent mixed micelles

The process of formation of lipid vesicles using the technique of detergent removal from mixed-micelles is examined. Recent studies on the solubilizat ion and reconstitution of liposomes participated to our knowledge of the st ructure and properties of mixed lipid-detergent systems. The mechanisms inv olved in both the lipid self assembly and the micelle-vesicle transition ar e first reviewed. The simplistic three step minimum scheme is described and criticized in relation with isothermal as well as a function of the [det]/ [lip] ratio, phase diagram explorations. The techniques of detergent elimin ation are reviewed and criticized for advantages and disadvantages. New met hods inducing micelle-vesicle transition using enzymatic reaction and T-jum p are also described and compared to more classical ones. Future developmen ts of these techniques and improvements resulting of their combinations are also considered. Proper reconstitution of membrane constituents such as pr oteins and drugs into liposomes are examined in the light of our actual und erstanding of the micelle-vesicle transition. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.