Bottom-up reconstitution of model membrane systems: a mini-review

Bottom-up membrane reconstitution has become a powerful framework to investigate the physical principles governing membrane organization and function in highly controlled environments. Among the broad range of available model systems, supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have emerged as particularly versatile platforms compatible with live optical imaging. In the present mini-review, we summarize recent advances in the preparation and application of these micron-scale membrane systems. We discuss how SLBs and GUVs have enabled major insights into membrane-associated protein assembly, membrane curvature sensing and remodeling, permeability, and cytoskeletal organization. We further highlight emerging developments, including suspended membranes, membrane-coacervate interactions, and the use of GUVs as chassis for bottom-up synthetic biology. Finally, we discuss future perspectives for the field, particularly the growing effort in interfacing synthetic membrane systems and living cells, with potential applications in biomedicine.