Finsler geometry modeling of phase separation in multi-component membranes

Abstract

Finsler geometric surface model is studied as a coarse-grained model for membranes of three-component such as DOPC, DPPC and Cholesterol. To understand the phase separation of liquid ordered (DPPC rich) $L_o$ and the liquid disordered (DOPC rich) $L_d$, we introduce a variable $\sigma (\in \{1,-1\})$ in the triangulated surface model. We numerically find that there appear two circulars and stripe domains on the surface and that these two morphologies are separated by a phase transition. The morphological change from the one to the other with respect to the variation of the area fraction of $L_o$ is consistent with existing experimental results. This gives us a clear understanding of the origin of the line tension energy, which has been used to understand those morphological changes in the three-component membranes. In addition to these two circulars and stripe domains, raft-like domain and budding domain are also observed, and the corresponding several phase diagrams are obtained. Technical details of the Finsler geometry modeling are also shown.

arXiv comment18 pages, 11 figures

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