In the canonical model of membrane fusion, the integrity of the fusing membranes is never compromised, preserving the identity of fusing compartments. However, recent molecular simulations provided evidence for a pathway to fusion in which holes in the membrane evolve into a fusion pore. Additionally, two biological membrane fusion models-yeast cell mating and in vitro vacuole fusion-have shown...

In article numer 20200081, Damia Mawad and co-workers highlight the importance of coupling conjugated polymers polyelectrolytes with lipid bilayer to engineer interfaces unique characteristics, facilitated by accessing properties each constituent material. Conjugated provide optical electronic properties, whereas mimics biological cell, enabling fusion cell membrane. The cover summarises how ut...