Coupling Field Theory with Continuum Mechanics: A Simulation of Domain Formation in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
| Autor: | Gregory A. Voth, J. Liam McWhirter, Gary S. Ayton, Patrick McMurtry |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 2005 |
| Předmět: |
Physics
Cellular membrane Continuum mechanics Vesicle Biophysics Biophysical Theory and Modeling 02 engineering and technology Elasticity (physics) 021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology Curvature 01 natural sciences Biophysical Phenomena Elasticity Biomechanical Phenomena Domain formation Elastic membrane Classical mechanics Models Chemical Membrane curvature Liposomes 0103 physical sciences Thermodynamics 010306 general physics 0210 nano-technology |
| Zdroj: | Biophysical Journal. 88(6):3855-3869 |
| ISSN: | 0006-3495 |
| DOI: | 10.1529/biophysj.105.059436 |
| Popis: | Domain formation is modeled on the surface of giant unilamellar vesicles using a Landau field theory model for phase coexistence coupled to elastic deformation mechanics (e.g., membrane curvature). Smooth particle applied mechanics, a form of smoothed particle continuum mechanics, is used to solve either the time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg or Cahn-Hilliard free-energy models for the composition dynamics. At the same time, the underlying elastic membrane is modeled using smooth particle applied mechanics, resulting in a unified computational scheme capable of treating the response of the composition fields to arbitrary deformations of the vesicle and vice versa. The results indicate that curvature coupling, along with the field theory model for composition free energy, gives domain formations that are correlated with surface defects on the vesicle. In the case that external deformations are included, the domain structures are seen to respond to such deformations. The present simulation capability provides a significant step forward toward the simulation of realistic cellular membrane processes. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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