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Published on: July 10, 2016
Electromechanical effects on tether formation from lipid membranes: a theoretical analysis
E Glassinger1, A C Lee, R M Raphael
1Department of Bioengineering, MS-142, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77251, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 31, 2005
Summary
This study analyzes how electrical fields affect lipid vesicle tethers, finding flexoelectric coupling influences tether force. These findings suggest tether experiments can characterize electromechanical coupling in membranes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Biomembrane properties are measured using tethers, thin bilayer tubes.
- Tether force is sensitive to transmembrane potential, indicating electrical field influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To thermodynamically analyze the effect of electrical fields on tether formation from lipid vesicles.
- To understand the contributions of Maxwell stresses and electromechanical coupling (flexoelectric and piezoelectric) to tether properties.
Main Methods:
- Developed a thermodynamic model for tether formation from aspirated lipid vesicles under electrical fields.
- Included Maxwell stresses, flexoelectric coupling, and piezoelectric coupling in the analysis.
- Obtained equilibrium tether conformations through numerical predictions.
Main Results:
- Flexoelectric coupling significantly alters the force required for tether formation.
- Piezoelectric coupling and Maxwell forces have minimal impact on the force-length relationship of tethers.
- Predicted equilibrium tether conformations numerically.
Conclusions:
- Tether experiments can potentially characterize electromechanical coupling in synthetic and cellular membranes.
- Flexoelectric coupling is a key factor influencing electrical field effects on membrane tethers.
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