Interface dynamics of lipid membrane spreading on solid surfaces.
As a model system for two-dimensional interface dynamics, we study the wetting front of a lipid membrane moving over a solid substrate that is structured with regularly spaced pinning centers. By analyzing the contour of the front, we derive the normal growth rate and the relaxation coefficient. Both exhibit a 1/t(1/2) time dependence. Moreover, the friction coefficient and the line tension can be determined. Randomly distributed pinning centers cause a fractal contour line, whereas on surfaces that are artificially roughened, self-affine contour lines are observed. The latter exhibit an anomalous roughness exponent of zeta = 0.81+/-0.05.
Nissen
J
J
Lehrstuhl für Biophysik, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.
Jacobs
K
K
Rädler
J O
JO
D000465:Algorithms; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010743:Phospholipids; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene