The past, present and future of lipid self-assembly nanostructure research

In this roadmap I am portraying my personnel view of the most significant progress made in lyotropic liquid crystal nanostructure research with reference to my contribution ‘The Biologically Relevant Lipid Mesophases as “Seen” by X-rays’ (Advances in Planar Lipid Bilayers and Liposomes, vol. 5, 2006). First, I summarize the biological most relevant inverse liquid crystalline phases citing newest literature contributions. Second, recent advances on the design of lipid-based nanoparticles for drug release applications follows. Finally, I unveil desirable methodological developments and research trends for the future. While exploring biomimetic membranes with steadily improving temporal and spatial resolution by exploiting increasingly also the 4th generation of light sources, namely free-electron X-ray lasers, the idea of studying lipid self-assemblies with a holistic approach, including structure and dynamics of water investigations, as well as the concept of creating “nanoscope” instruments will be outlined.