Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers
Published on: July 28, 2018
Director configuration and self-organization of inclusions in two-dimensional smectic membranes
1Institute of Solid State Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142432 Moscow Region, Chernogolovka, Russia.
Abstract:
The behavior of isolated inclusions (nematic droplets, smectic islands) and formation of chains and clusters from inclusions in oriented smectic membranes have been studied. Investigations of inclusions were performed in membranes in which the molecular ordering was oriented by an external magnetic field. At planar boundary conditions on the interface between the membrane and inclusions different configurations of the c-director field were observed: Coulombic, dipolar, quadrupolar, and mixed. The observed orientation of inclusions and their interactions and self-organization correlate with the predictions of the theory based on the electromagnetic analogy. Chaining and formation of superstructures differ in oriented and nonoriented membranes.
Related Concept Videos
Fluid Mosaic Model
Mechanisms of Membrane Domain Formation
Another mechanism for membrane domain formation involves membrane proteins interacting with cytoskeletal...
Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
Membrane Domains
Protein Domains
The membrane comprises a group of distinct proteins responsible for carrying out a cell's specific function. For example, the plasma membrane of the human sperm, or a single germ cell, contains a unique set of proteins in the anterior...
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
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...

