Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs): A key tool for the study of biophysical properties of membranes

Abstract

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) serve as a biomimetic model for understanding the biophysical properties of cellular membranes. This simplified model allows for controlled studies of membrane behavior under various stimuli, such as temperature or media changes, or the presence of drugs, thereby providing valuable insights into membrane dynamics and cell processes, such as viral infection and transport phenomena. Among the various methods to produce GUVs, electroformation and gel-assisted formation are the most widely used and allow tailoring membrane properties. This article provides a comparative analysis of both techniques, detailing their respective strengths and limitations in terms of efficiency, reproducibility, and structural control. Additionally, the importance of selecting the appropriate method for specific research applications is highlighted. By advancing our understanding of this membrane model, this work contributes to the advancement of synthetic biology and the design of bioinspired materials, including drug delivery systems.