Large-scale simulations of fluctuating biological membranes.
We present a simple, and physically motivated, coarse-grained model of a lipid bilayer, suited for micron scale computer simulations. Each approximately 25 nm(2) patch of bilayer is represented by a spherical particle. Mimicking forces of hydrophobic association, multiparticle interactions suppress the exposure of each sphere's equator to its implicit solvent surroundings. The requirement of high equatorial density stabilizes two-dimensional structures without necessitating crystalline order, allowing us to match both the elasticity and fluidity of natural lipid membranes. We illustrate the model's versatility and realism by characterizing a membrane's response to a prodding nanorod.
Pasqua
Andrea
A
Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
Maibaum
Lutz
L
Oster
George
G
Fletcher
Daniel A
DA
Geissler
Phillip L
PL
D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size
D008051:Lipid Bilayers; D008567:Membranes, Artificial