title: Diffusion of nanoparticles in monolayers is modulated by domain size.
abstract: Langmuir monolayers are often used as simple models for biological membranes. The possibility to change their composition and phase state in a very controlled manner as well as access to a large observation area makes them a versatile tool for the investigation of membrane-related interactions. Inspired by experiments in our group, we investigate the interaction of single, partially charged nanoparticles with lipid microdomains by Monte Carlo simulations. Condensed domains in inhomogeneous Langmuir monolayers exhibit an electric dipole field interacting attractively with the nanoparticle's dipole moment. With increasing domain size, the resulting electric field changes from single dipole to semi-infinite domain characteristics, significantly influencing the motion of the particle. Small immobile domains (R = 1 microm) confine the movement of the tracer to the boundary of the domain whereas for large domains (R > or = 10 microm) its motion is only temporarily hindered. This suggests a powerful mechanism for controlling diffusive transport in lipid membranes.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Experimentelle Physik I, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rückerl
authors.forename: Josef A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Käs
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Selle
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D002462:Cell Membrane; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004058:Diffusion; D021962:Membrane Microdomains; D008954:Models, Biological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D053758:Nanoparticles