Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
Published on: September 9, 2022
Surfactant transfer through a liquid membrane: origin of spontaneous oscillations at the membrane/acceptor phase
1Institute of Biocolloid Chemistry, Kiev, Ukraine.
Abstract:
Instability due to surfactant redistribution in a liquid membrane system consisting of two solutions, namely source and acceptor, separated by a layer of immiscible liquid is studied theoretically and experimentally. The transfer of a surfactant from a source phase to an acceptor phase is often accompanied by spontaneous nonlinear oscillations of electrical potential and/or interfacial tension. The oscillations can be generated at each of the membrane interfaces. Here a mechanism of oscillation, which develops at the membrane/acceptor phase interface, is proposed on the basis of direct numerical simulation of the system evolution. Performed experimental studies confirm the theoretical results.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Membrane Asymmetry Regulating Transporters
Flippase
Eukaryotic flippases are type-IV P-type ATPases or P4-ATPases belonging to P-type ATPase family proteins that are membrane-bound pumps involved in the ATP-mediated transport of ions and molecules across the membrane. Flippases flip specific phospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of a membrane. All P4-ATPases have one...
Fluid Mosaic Model
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...
Membrane Fluidity
Breathing
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer

