Nanostructured bicontinuous cubic lipid self-assembly materials as matrices for protein encapsulation

We review the use of bicontinuous cubic amphiphile self-assembly materials for protein encapsulation. The unique amphiphilic nature of bicontinuous cubic lipidic phases make them an ideal medium for the encapsulation of soluble, peripheral, and integral membrane proteins. Current and prospective applications for such systems include drug delivery, membrane protein crystallisation, biosensors and biofuel cells. We focus on the impact of the incorporated protein on the structure of the cubic phase, which has a knock-on effect on performance for many end-applications.