Lipid Segregation on Cylindrically and Spherically Curved Membranes
arXiv:1303.3503 · doi:10.1088/1674-1056/24/6/068701
Abstract
We investigate how an externally imposed curvature influences lipid segregation on two-phase-coexistent membranes. We show that the bending-modulus contrast of the two phases and the curvature act together to yield a reduced effective line tension. On largely curved membranes, a state of multiple domains (or rafts) forms due to a mechanism analogous to that causing magnetic-vortex formation in type-II superconductors. We determine the criterion for such multi-domain state to occur; we then calculate respectively the size of the domains formed on cylindrically and spherically curved membranes.
5 pages, 5 figures