Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy as a Unique Probe for Lipid Membrane Dynamics and Membrane-Protein Interactions
Published on: May 27, 2021
Effect of bilayer thickness on membrane bending rigidity
Abstract:
The bending rigidity k(c) of bilayer vesicles self-assembled from amphiphilic diblock copolymers has been measured using single- and dual-micropipet techniques. These copolymers are nearly a factor of 5 greater in hydrophobic membrane thickness d than their lipid counterparts and an order of magnitude larger in molecular weight M(n). The macromolecular structure of these amphiphiles lends insight into and extends relationships for traditional surfactant behavior. We find the scaling of k(c) with thickness to be nearly quadratic, in good agreement with existing theories for bilayer membranes. The results here are key to understanding and designing soft interfaces such as biomembrane mimetics.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Membrane Fluidity
Membrane Fluidity
Mosaic nature of the membrane
The mosaic characteristic of the membrane helps the plasma membrane remain fluid. The integral proteins and lipids exist as separate but loosely-attached molecules in the membrane. The membrane is a relatively...
Bending of Material: Problem Solving
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity

