Lipid-protein nanodiscs for cell-free production of integral membrane proteins in a soluble and folded state: Comparison with detergent micelles, bicelles and liposomes

► Membrane mimicking additives promote cell-free synthesis of soluble membrane proteins. ► Lipid-protein nanodiscs were compared with detergent micelles, bicelles and liposomes. ► Nanodiscs facilitate the correct folding of synthesized membrane proteins. ► Partial disintegration of nanodiscs composed of unsaturated lipids was observed. ► NMR studies of proteins co-translationally incorporated into nanodiscs are possible.