Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: October 24, 2017
Shape fluctuations of nearly spherical lipid vesicles and emulsion droplets
1Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 72 Tzarigradsko Chaussee Boulevard, Sofia 1784, Bulgaria. bivas@issp.bas.bg
Abstract:
It is known that the relaxation of the shape fluctuations of nearly spherical lipid vesicles is accompanied by a lateral displacement of the monolayers, comprising their bilayers. In this work a dissipation mechanism of the mechanical energy stored in the fluctuation is revealed that concerns the viscous friction of the flow in the liquid around the vesicle caused by this displacement. The time correlation functions of each of the vesicle's fluctuation modes are calculated as a function of the mechanical and rheological properties of the system which are the tension of the vesicle bilayer, its bending elasticities at free and blocked flip-flop, the viscosities of the liquids bathing the bilayer, the friction coefficient between the two monolayers, as well as the vesicle's dimensions: its bilayer thickness and radius. The correlations of the shape fluctuations of nearly spherical emulsion droplets are also calculated for different viscosities of the liquid inside and outside the droplet.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Micelles
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Fluid Mosaic Model
Colloids

