title: Analytical calculation of the lipid bilayer bending modulus.
abstract: Bending and Gaussian moduli of a homogenious single-component lipid bilayer are calculated analytically using microscopic model of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. The approach allows for thermodynamic averaging over different chains conformations. Each chain is modeled as a flexible string with finite bending rigidity and an incompressible cross-section area. The interchain steric repulsion is accounted for self-consistently determined single-chain confining parabolic potential. The model provides a simple analytical expression for the membrane bending modulus, which falls within a range of experimental values. An observed dependence of the modulus on hydrocarbon chain length is also reproduced. Correspondence between our microscopic model and the membrane theory of elasticity is established.
authors.affiliation: National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Leninskiy prospekt 4, Moscow 119049, Russia.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kheyfets
authors.affiliation: National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Leninskiy prospekt 4, Moscow 119049, Russia.
authors.forename: Timur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Galimzyanov
authors.affiliation: National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Leninskiy prospekt 4, Moscow 119049, Russia.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Drozdova
authors.affiliation: National University of Science and Technology MISIS, Leninskiy prospekt 4, Moscow 119049, Russia.
authors.forename: Sergei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mukhin
mesh_terms: D004548:Elasticity; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D008051:Lipid Bilayers