Flexible macromolecules attached to lipid bilayers: impact on fluidity, curvature, permeability and stability of the membranes

This review summarizes recent investigations on the association of macromolecules on lipid bilayers. Hydrophilic and flexible polymers can form soft coronae tenuously adsorbed or anchored on the lipid membrane. Other synthetic macromolecules are embedded in the apolar region of the membrane. Recent experimental and theoretical works focus on the perturbation of lipid properties achieved depending on the nature and strength of binding. Of importance to biomimicry, to tethered model membranes, and drug carriers, the effects achievable include modulation of the lateral diffusivity of lipids, shape distortions, lateral segregations, formation of well-defined nanopores and ultimately the stimuli responsive disruption of the membrane.