Non-spherical shapes of capsules within a fourth-order curvature model

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2010 Jul;32(3):223-8. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2010-10631-2. Epub 2010 Jul 8.

Abstract

We minimize a discrete version of the fourth-order curvature-based Landau free energy by extending Brakke's Surface Evolver. This model predicts spherical as well as non-spherical shapes with dimples, bumps and ridges to be the energy minimizers. Our results suggest that the buckling and faceting transitions, usually associated with crystalline matter, can also be an intrinsic property of non-crystalline membranes.

MeSH terms

  • Capsules / chemistry*
  • Capsules / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Computational Biology*
  • Crystallization
  • Membrane Fluidity
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transport Vesicles / chemistry
  • Transport Vesicles / metabolism

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Membranes, Artificial