This chapter explores the versatile application of liposomes as model
membranes for studying the fundamental properties of biological cell membranes.
By closely mimicking the structural and functional aspects of natural membranes,
liposomes provide an invaluable platform for investigating membrane mechanics,
including elasticity, tension, and transport properties such as permeability. A key
focus is their role in understanding membrane curvature sensing and generation by
proteins/peptides, which is essential for biological processes like endocytosis and
vesicular trafficking. Additionally, liposomes serve as effective models for studying
membrane pore formation by peptides, offering critical insights into the development
of antibacterial and anticancer therapies. As model membranes, they also play a
critical role in evaluating drug-membrane interactions, helping to optimize stability,
permeability, and controlled release in drug delivery systems. Beyond these applications, liposomes are widely employed in investigating biomolecular interactions
and membrane-associated processes, including cell adhesion, membrane-polyphenol
interactions, peptide-membrane translocation, lipid peroxidation, and membrane rafts.
Their ability to provide controlled experimental conditions makes them indispensable
tools for elucidating lipid organization, membrane dynamics, and signaling pathways.
Keywords: Liposomes formation, membrane mechanics, curvature sensing, curvature generation, pore formation, drug delivery.
