Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging and Force Spectroscopy of Supported Lipid Bilayers
Published on: July 22, 2015
Onset of Percolation and Fractal Classification Scheme for Multilamellar Lipid Vesicles
Lahiri1, Kar, Chakrabarti
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235, India
This study explores percolation in multilamellar lipid vesicles (MLVs), revealing a linear relationship between the percolation threshold and lipid net charge. Vesicular cluster structure and order were characterized using fractal dimension and porosity.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Percolation phenomena are critical properties of assemblies, analogous to phase transitions.
- Multilamellar lipid vesicles (MLVs) spontaneously assemble, forming complex clusters with potential fractal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the onset of percolation in mixed lipid systems.
- To characterize the fractal properties of MLV clusters.
- To determine the influence of lipid composition on cluster structure and order.
Main Methods:
- Studied percolation onset using mixed lipid systems.
- Analyzed vesicular clusters by fractal dimension and porosity.
- Compared cluster domains to simulated random clusters to assess order.
Main Results:
- Percolation threshold exhibited a strong linear dependence on the net charge of constituent lipids.
- Different lipid compositions formed distinct domains in the fractal dimension-porosity space.
- Cluster domain locations indicated the presence and degree of order.
Conclusions:
- Lipid net charge is a key factor controlling percolation in MLV systems.
- Fractal dimension and porosity provide a useful framework for characterizing MLV cluster order.
- MLV cluster organization is sensitive to microenvironmental changes.
More Related Videos
10:08Phase Behavior of Charged Vesicles Under Symmetric and Asymmetric Solution Conditions Monitored with Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: October 24, 2017
07:49Spontaneous Formation and Rearrangement of Artificial Lipid Nanotube Networks as a Bottom-Up Model for Endoplasmic Reticulum
Published on: January 22, 2019
Related Concept Videos
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...
Fluid Mosaic Model
COP Coated Vesicles