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Vesicle dynamics in uniform electric fields: squaring and breathing.

Lane C McConnell1, Petia M Vlahovska, Michael J Miksis

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Summary

Vesicle dynamics in electric fields were simulated, revealing a "squaring" phenomenon where vesicles deform into rectangular shapes. This computational study explains observed experimental results of vesicle shape transitions.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Computational fluid dynamics

Background:

  • Vesicles exhibit complex shape dynamics when subjected to external forces.
  • Experimental observations have noted unusual "squared" or drum-like vesicle shapes under specific conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To computationally investigate and explain the dynamics of vesicles under uniform DC or AC electric fields.
  • To simulate and understand the mechanism behind the observed "squaring" phenomenon in vesicles.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the two-dimensional boundary integral method for numerical simulations.
  • Modeled the vesicle membrane as a thin, capacitive, area-incompressible interface.
  • Treated surrounding fluids as leaky dielectric media.

Main Results:

  • Successfully captured the "squaring" phenomenon in simulations.
  • Observed vesicle deformation into rectangular profiles with high curvature regions.
  • Documented dynamic transitions between oblate and prolate ellipsoidal shapes.

Conclusions:

  • The computational model accurately reproduces experimentally observed vesicle "squaring" under electric fields.
  • The study provides insights into the fluid dynamics and membrane mechanics governing vesicle deformation.
  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial for applications involving cell membranes and microfluidics.