Abstract
GUV studies of the three component lipid system DSPC/DOPC/CHOL show macroscopic phase separation of Ld + Lo phase domains. In contrast, GUVs of DSPC/POPC/CHOL appear uniform in the Ld + Lo region, but show nanometer-scale phase separation in FRET and ESR studies. Examination of the four component system DSPC/DOPC/POPC/CHOL enables study of macroscopic-to-nanoscopic transition as composition (DOPC/POPC ratio) is changed. The transition is observed to be rather abrupt, and reveals “modulated phase” patterning on the GUV in a small window of compositions. The patterns show stripe, bubble, and honeycomb structures. Following Helfrich, we attempt to explain these patterns through the energetics of curvature. We perform calculations and simulations to determine whether a heterogeneous membrane can stabilize modulated phases, subject only to a line tension and a bending rigidity. We also explore the energetic stability, shape, and size scales of these patterns.
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