Bending lipid membranes: experiments after W. Helfrich's model.

Current description of biomembrane mechanics originates for a large part from W. Helfrich's model. Based on his continuum theory, many experiments have been performed in the past four decades on simplified membranes in order to characterize the mechanical properties of lipid membranes and the contribution of polymers or proteins. The long-term goal was to develop a better understanding of the mechanical properties of cell membranes. In this paper, we will review representative experimental approaches that were developed during this period and the main results that were obtained.