A new method for the preparation of giant liposomes in high salt concentrations and growth of protein microcrystals in them.

We have developed a new method for the preparation of giant liposomes in aqueous solution containing high salt concentrations (up to 2.0 M). Hydrophilic polymers attached to the surface of lipid membranes by including a small amount of poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted phospholipid in the membrane increase the repulsive force between the membranes, which makes it possible to form giant liposomes at high ionic strength. Using this method, we could grow micron-sized (10-50 microm) protein crystals in a giant liposome. These results demonstrate that this method is a promising tool for the preparation of 'artificial cells' under various conditions.