Abstract
Recent progress in the studies of cell membrane models stabilized by the polymerization is reviewed. Physical stabilities of liposomes are largely increased and permeation rates of solutes from the inner waterpool through membranes are strongly reduced by the polymerization. Catalytic properties of polymerized liposomes on the esterolyses were different from those of monomeric ones especially in their temperature dependences. Biological functions of polymerized liposomes such as carriers of membrane proteins are similar to those of monomeric or natural liposomes. Monolayer and deposited (Langmuir-Blodgett) membranes stabilized by the polymerization are also discussed.
