Dynamic domain formation in membranes: thickness-modulation-induced phase separation.

Schäffer E, Thiele U

Forschungsartikel (Zeitschrift) | Peer reviewed

Zusammenfassung

A simple model investigates the amplification of fluctuations on membranes constituted of two lipids having different lengths. Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions across the lipid bilayer result in a destabilization favoring thickness variations of the membrane. Close to spontaneous demixing of the two components, the additional gain in free energy due to thickness undulations shifts the stability boundary which promotes phase separation into domains. Interestingly, this effect can be induced by an applied electric field or membrane potential. In biological systems, the dynamic model presented here indicates that electric fields might be important for controlling phase separation and the formation of domains called "rafts".

Details zur Publikation

FachzeitschriftEuropean Physical Journal E (Eur. Phys. J. E)
Jahrgang / Bandnr. / Volume14
Ausgabe / Heftnr. / Issue2
Seitenbereich169-75
StatusVeröffentlicht
Veröffentlichungsjahr2004 (01.07.2004)
Sprache, in der die Publikation verfasst istEnglisch
DOI10.1140/epje/i2003-10147-x

Autor*innen der Universität Münster

Thiele, Uwe
Professur für Theoretische Physik (Prof. Thiele)