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Lateral hydrodynamics in supported membranes: the Evans-Sackmann model and its extensions
Yuto Hosaka1, David Andelman2, Shigeyuki Komura3
1Department of Mathematics, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan. hosaka.yuto.7r@kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Soft Matter
|July 22, 2026
Summary
The Evans-Sackmann hydrodynamic model explains lateral transport in supported fluid membranes by analyzing membrane-substrate coupling. This model is crucial for understanding diffusion, phase separation, and interactions within membranes.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Soft Matter Physics
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Supported fluid membranes are crucial for biological processes and nanotechnology.
- Understanding lateral transport within these membranes is key to their function.
- The Evans-Sackmann model provides a theoretical framework for membrane hydrodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the theoretical development of the Evans-Sackmann hydrodynamic model.
- To explore its modern applications in understanding membrane dynamics.
- To discuss extensions and future directions for the model.
Main Methods:
- Review of original Evans-Sackmann model formulation.
- Analysis of theoretical extensions to boundary conditions.
- Examination of the supported-membrane mobility tensor.
- Discussion of recent extensions to active and chiral membranes.
Main Results:
- The model quantitatively interprets tracer diffusion in supported bilayers.
- It provides a unified framework for correlated diffusion, polymer dynamics, and phase separation.
- Odd viscosity in active membranes offers routes for detecting chirality.
Conclusions:
- The Evans-Sackmann model is a powerful tool for studying lateral transport in supported fluid membranes.
- Theoretical extensions enhance its applicability to complex membrane systems.
- The model has implications for understanding membrane-substrate coupling, diffusion, and chirality detection.
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