Shape equations and curvature bifurcations induced by inhomogeneous rigidities in cell membranes

This article aims at two objectives: One is the shape equation for the equilibrium configurations of biomembranes with heterogeneous rigidities; another is the possible mechanism for curvature bifurcations in various biomembranes such as human red blood cells (RBC). The shape equation is established...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of biomechanics 2005-07, Vol.38 (7), p.1433-1440
Main Authors: Yin, Yajun, Chen, Yanqiu, Ni, Dong, Shi, Huiji, Fan, Qinshan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anisotropy
Cell Membrane - chemistry
Cell Membrane - physiology
Cholesterol
Computer Simulation
Elasticity
Equilibrium
Heterogeneous biomembranes
Lipid Bilayers - chemistry
Lipids
Mathematical models
Membrane Fluidity - physiology
Membrane Fusion - physiology
Membranes
Models, Biological
Models, Chemical
Post-bifurcation modes
Rigidity gradient
Shape equation
Shape transitions and curvature bifurcations
Stress, Mechanical
Surface Properties
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Summary:This article aims at two objectives: One is the shape equation for the equilibrium configurations of biomembranes with heterogeneous rigidities; another is the possible mechanism for curvature bifurcations in various biomembranes such as human red blood cells (RBC). The shape equation is established by treating the inhomogeneous biomembrane as a lipid bilayer vesicle containing inclusions or impurities. After careful investigation of the equation, the rigidity gradient is found to be an initial “driving force” that may destabilize the biomembrane and stimulate shape transitions, and the concept (or mechanism) termed “curvature bifurcations induced by rigidity gradients” is suggested. Various post-bifurcation modes recording the new equilibrium configurations are disclosed. A few post-bifurcation modes are found to coincide well with some practical shape transitions in cells such as the cup-like shape (stomatocyte) transition and spiculated shape (echinocyte) transition in RBC.
ISSN:0021-9290
1873-2380
DOI:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2004.06.024