title: Zipper dynamics of surfactant nanotube Y junctions.
abstract: We investigate the formation of Y junctions in surfactant nanotubes connecting vesicles. Based on experimental observations of the surfactant flow on the nanotubes, we conclude that a Y junction propagates with a zipperlike mechanism. The surfactants from two nanotube branches undergo 1:1 mixing at the junction, and spontaneously form the extension of the third nanotube branch. Taking into account the tension driven surfactant flow, we develop a model for the Y junction dynamics that is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Microtechnology Centre, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Tatsiana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lobovkina
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dommersnes
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Joanny
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hurtig
authors.forename: Owe
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Orwar
mesh_terms: D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D043942:Nanotubes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids; D013501:Surface-Active Agents