Minimum energy path to membrane pore formation and rupture

Phys Rev Lett. 2011 Apr 22;106(16):168101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.168101. Epub 2011 Apr 18.

Abstract

We combine dynamic self-consistent field theory with the string method to calculate the minimum energy path to membrane pore formation and rupture. In the regime where nucleation can occur on experimentally relevant time scales, the structure of the critical nucleus is between a solvophilic stalk and a locally thinned membrane. Classical nucleation theory fails to capture these molecular details and significantly overestimates the free energy barrier. Our results suggest that thermally nucleated rupture may be an important factor for the low rupture strains observed in lipid membranes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Membrane / chemistry*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Porosity
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Solvents