On the theory of domain formation in mixed lipid systems

✍ Scribed by A.G. Petrov; H. Frischleder

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 525 KB
• Volume: 29
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0009-3084
• DOI: 10.1016/0009-3084(81)90082-7

✦ Synopsis

A theory of formation of one-component, circular domains in mixed lipid monolayers was developed using the language of the thermodynamics of micellar formation and the notion of the wedge-like molecular asymmetry, developed earlier. Some justifications concerning the bilayer case were also done. After suitable approximations essentially two geometrical parameters of the aggregated molecules-head group equilibrium area and hydrophobic part equilibrium area -were sufficient to discuss a number of properties of the aggregation process such as critical aggregation concentration, life times, curvature, size and size distribution of the domains. The influence of the boundary energy on the aggregation behaviour was demonstrated and the cases of partial and total demixing above the critical concentration were distinguished. The theoretical results were compared with experimental data.