Multiresponsive Behavior of Biomembranes and Giant Vesicles

Biomembranes consist of molecular bilayers with many lipid and protein components. The fluidity of these bilayers allows them to respond to different environmental cues by changing their local molecular composition as well as their shape and topology. On the nanometer scale, this multi-responsive behavior can be studied by molecular dynamics simulations, which provide both snapshots and movies of the bilayer conformations. The general conceptual framework for these simulations is provided by the theory of curvature elasticity. The latter theory also explains the behavior of giant vesicles as observed by optical microscopy on the micrometer scale. The present volume describes new insights as obtained from recent developments in analytical theory, computer simulations, and experimental approaches. The seven chapters of the volume are arranged in a bottom-up manner from smaller to larger scales. These chapters address the refined molecular dynamics and multiscale modeling of biomembranes, their morphological complexity and adhesion, the engulfment and endocytosis of nanoparticles, the fusion of giant unilamellar vesicles, as well as recent advances in microfluidic technology applied to model membranes.

Bridging the gap between lipid molecules and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)Integrated view obtained from analytical theory, computer simulations, and experimental observationsMultiresponsive behavior and morphological complexity of biomembranes

1. Refined molecular dynamics simulations of phospholipid bilayers

Markus S. Miettinen

2. Multiscale (re)modeling of lipid bilayer membranes

Andrea Grafmüller

3. Understanding and controlling the morphological complexity of biomembranes

Reinhard Lipowsky

4. Binding and segregation of proteins in membrane adhesion: theory, modelling, and simulations

Thomas R. Weikl, Jinglei Hu, Batuhan Kav, and Bartosz Różycki

5. Engulfment of nanoparticles by membranes

Jaime Agudo-Canalejo

6. Fusion assays for model membranes: a critical review

Rafael B. Lira and Rumiana Dimova

7. Microfluidics and giant vesicles: creation, capture, and applications for biomembranes

Tom Robinson