Analytical calculation of the lipid bilayer bending modulus

Bending and Gaussian moduli of a homogenious single-component lipid bilayer are calculated analytically using microscopic model of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. The approach allows for thermodynamic averaging over different chains conformations. Each chain is modeled as a flexible string with finite...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review. E 2016-10, Vol.94 (4-1), p.042415-042415, Article 042415
Main Authors: Kheyfets, Boris, Galimzyanov, Timur, Drozdova, Anna, Mukhin, Sergei
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Elasticity
Lipid Bilayers - chemistry
Models, Biological
Molecular Conformation
Thermodynamics
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Summary:Bending and Gaussian moduli of a homogenious single-component lipid bilayer are calculated analytically using microscopic model of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. The approach allows for thermodynamic averaging over different chains conformations. Each chain is modeled as a flexible string with finite bending rigidity and an incompressible cross-section area. The interchain steric repulsion is accounted for self-consistently determined single-chain confining parabolic potential. The model provides a simple analytical expression for the membrane bending modulus, which falls within a range of experimental values. An observed dependence of the modulus on hydrocarbon chain length is also reproduced. Correspondence between our microscopic model and the membrane theory of elasticity is established.
ISSN:2470-0045
2470-0053
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.94.042415