Lipid membranes in contact with aqueous phases of polymer solutions

Abstract

In this highlight, we describe recent developments in research on lipid vesicles encapsulating aqueous two-phase polymer solutions. Special emphasis is given on the morphological changes of the vesicles and the membrane transformations induced by the phase separation process, and on the interactions of the lipid bilayers with the phases. These interactions lead to a variety of interesting wetting phenomena and to the formation of membrane nanotubes. Future directions and possible developments in this research field are also discussed.