In Situ Synthesis of Phospholipid Membranes

Cells produce lipid membranes de novo through a complex sequence of enzymatic reactions that are difficult to reconstitute in a minimal system. We set out to take a different approach and mimic the synthesis of phospholipids using abiotic but highly selective bioconjugation reactions. Here, I outline several of our group's recent advances in exploring chemoselective reactions for stitching together lipid fragments to form membrane-forming lipids from non-membrane forming precursors. Rapid chemical reactions can be harnessed to achieve facile de novo synthesis of lipid membranes, and spontaneous membrane formation can be applied for the reconstitution of membrane proteins, encapsulation and concentration of nanomaterials, and the study of lipid membrane remodeling. I conclude by briefly outlining future challenges and opportunities.