Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Pulling Membrane Nanotubes from Giant Unilamellar Vesicles
Published on: December 7, 2017
General mathematical frame for open or closed biomembranes (Part I): equilibrium theory and geometrically constraint
1Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace, FML Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China. yinyj@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
Abstract:
This paper aims at constructing a general mathematical frame for the equilibrium theory of open or closed biomembranes. Based on the generalized potential functional, the equilibrium differential equation for open biomembrane (with free edge) or closed one (without boundary) is derived. The boundary conditions for open biomembranes are obtained. Besides, the geometrically constraint equation for the existence, formation and disintegration of open or closed biomembranes is revealed. The physical and biological meanings of the equilibrium differential equation and the geometrically constraint equation are discussed. Numerical simulation results for axisymmetric open biomembranes show the effectiveness and convenience of the present theory.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Alternative Sets of Equilibrium Equations
One example of such a situation can be observed in a...
Frames: Problem Solving II
Constraints and Statical Determinacy
Frames: Problem Solving I
Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
Equations of Equilibrium in Three Dimensions
According to the vector equations of equilibrium, the vector sum of all the external forces acting on a body must...

