Mechanical equilibrium of thick, hollow, liquid membrane cylinders

The mechanical equilibrium of bilayer membrane cylinders is analyzed. The analysis is motivated by the observation that mechanically formed membrane strands (tethers) can support significant axial loads and that the tether radius varies inversely with the axial force. Previously, thin shell theory h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biophysical journal 1987-09, Vol.52 (3), p.391-400
Main Authors: Waugh, R.E., Hochmuth, R.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Biological membranes
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Kinetics
Lipid Bilayers
Mathematics
Membrane physicochemistry
Models, Biological
Molecular biophysics
Molecular Conformation
Thermodynamics
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Summary:The mechanical equilibrium of bilayer membrane cylinders is analyzed. The analysis is motivated by the observation that mechanically formed membrane strands (tethers) can support significant axial loads and that the tether radius varies inversely with the axial force. Previously, thin shell theory has been used to analyze the tether formation process, but this approach is inadequate for describing and predicting the equilibrium state of the tether itself. In the present work the membrane is modeled as two adjacent, thick, anisotropic liquid shells. The analysis predicts an inverse relationship between axial force and tether radius, which is consistent with experimental observation. The area expansivity modulus and bending stiffness of the tether membrane are calculated using previously measured values of tether radii. These calculated values are consistent with values of membrane properties measured previously. Application of the analysis to precise measurements of the relationship between tether radius and axial force will provide a novel method for determining the mechanical properties of biomembrane.
ISSN:0006-3495
1542-0086
DOI:10.1016/S0006-3495(87)83227-7