Tunable generic model for fluid bilayer membranes

Ira R. Cooke, Kurt Kremer, and Markus Deserno
Phys. Rev. E 72, 011506 – Published 26 July 2005

Abstract

We present a model for the efficient simulation of generic bilayer membranes. Individual lipids are represented by one head bead and two tail beads. By means of simple pair potentials these robustly self-assemble to a fluid bilayer state over a wide range of parameters, without the need for an explicit solvent. The model shows the expected elastic behavior on large length scales, and its physical properties (e.g., fluidity or bending stiffness) can be widely tuned via a single parameter. In particular, bending rigidities in the experimentally relevant range are obtained, at least within 330kBT. The model is naturally suited to study many physical topics, including self-assembly, fusion, bilayer melting, lipid mixtures, rafts, and protein-bilayer interactions.

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  • Received 23 September 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.72.011506

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Ira R. Cooke, Kurt Kremer, and Markus Deserno

  • Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany

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Issue

Vol. 72, Iss. 1 — July 2005

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