DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2002-10068-2
Dynamics of shape fluctuations of quasi-spherical vesicles revisited
L. Miao, M.A. Lomholt and J. KleisThe MEMPHYS Center for Biomembrane Physics, Physics Department, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark miao@fysik.sdu.dk
mlomholt@fysik.sdu.dk
(Received 16 September 2002 / Published online: 10 December 2002)
Abstract
In this paper, the dynamics of spontaneous shape fluctuations
of a single, giant quasi-spherical vesicle formed from a single
lipid species is revisited theoretically.
A coherent physical theory for the dynamics is developed
based on a number of fundamental principles and considerations,
and a systematic formulation of the theory
is also established. From the systematic theoretical formulation,
an analytical description of the dynamics of shape fluctuations
of quasi-spherical vesicles
is derived. In particular, in developing the theory we have
made a new interpretation
of some of the phenomenological constants in a canonical
continuum description of fluid
lipid-bilayer membranes and shown the consequences of this
new interpretation in terms
of the characteristics of the dynamics of vesicle shape fluctuations.
Moreover, we have
used the systematic formulation of our theory as a framework
against which we have discussed
the previously existing theories and their discrepancies.
Finally, we have made a systematic
prediction about the system-dependent characteristics of the
relaxation dynamics of shape
fluctuations of quasi-spherical vesicles with a view of
experimental studies of the phenomenon
and also discussed, based on our theory, a recently published
experimental work on the topic.
68.15.+e - Liquid thin films.
87.16.Dg - Membranes, bilayers, and vesicles.
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2002
