selfmembrane

Selfmembrane refers to a class of lipid bilayer or polymeric structures that can autonomously assemble into closed membranes without external manipulation. The term emerged in the late 1990s in the context of synthetic biology and nanotechnology, where researchers sought scalable methods to produce vesicular membranes for drug delivery, biosensing, and artificial cells. In its most common usage, a selfmembrane is a mixture of amphiphilic molecules—such as phospholipids, block copolymers, or surfactants—that spontaneously organize into bilayer sheets due to hydrophilic–hydrophobic interactions. When these sheets encounter an aqueous environment, they fold or curve to minimize free energy, forming vesicles or micelles. The self‑assembly process can be triggered by changes in temperature, pH, ionic strength, or by the addition of co‑solvents.

Research on selfmembranes focuses on controlling size, permeability, and stability. For instance, polymer‑lipid hybrid membranes combine the mechanical robustness of polymers with the biocompatibility of lipids, enabling the encapsulation of enzymes or genetic material. Such engineered membranes also serve as platforms for reconstituting membrane proteins, allowing functional studies of ion channels, transporters, and receptor complexes. In material science, selfmembrane coatings are investigated for anti‑fouling surfaces and responsive sensor films. While the fundamental physics of self‑assembly is well understood, challenges remain in achieving uniform large‑scale production and integrating functional components without disrupting membrane integrity. The continued interdisciplinary research into selfmembranes promises advances in targeted therapeutics, biosensing, and the construction of artificial organelles, potentially bridging gaps between chemistry, biology, and engineering.