3D Artificial Cell Membranes as Versatile Platforms for Biological Applications

Abstract

Artificial cell membranes, emulating biological membranes, have been used to elucidate the physiological functions of cells and realize biological applications. Advanced methodologies, along with considerations of biological/functional aspects, have enabled the development of various forms/types of artificial cell membranes commonly based on a lipid bilayer. Previous review articles have extensively explored 2-dimensional membranes but lack consideration on 3-dimensional membranes, which exhibit many advantages for biological platforms, such as large surface area, high stability, and ease of observation. Indeed, 3-dimensional membranes can accommodate a higher population of membrane proteins and show a more sensitive response to analytes than planar membranes. This review highlights the developments of artificial cell membranes in terms of structures and fabrication strategies, with a focus on 3-dimensional free-standing lipid membranes, and concludes with remarks on current key issues and challenges to evolve artificial cell membranes to another level.