The Single GUV Method for Probing Biomembrane Structure and Function

Abstract

Giant liposomes or giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) of lipid membranes, with diameter greater than 10 μm have a great advantage over smaller liposomes, e.g., large or small unilamellar vesicles, LUVs or SUVs in the investigation of biomembranes. Studies of single GUVs (the 'single GUV method') yield especially useful information on their structure and physical properties as a function of time and spatial coordinates. Here we show three examples of studies using the single GUV method: analysis of shape changes of GUVs; membrane fusion and vesicle fission; and use of a GUV as a microscopic container. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2005.218]