Solid-like domains in fluid membranes

Author :Paul A Beales, Vernita D Gordon, Zhijun Zhao, Stefan U Egelhaaf, and Wilson C K Poon
Publication :Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter
Publisher :IOP Publishing Ltd
Volume :17
Pages :S3341'S3346
Year :2005

We study model membranes in the form of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs)
composed of two saturated lipids with different hydrophilic headgroups or
different hydrophobic chain lengths. Lateral phase separation in the lipid bilayer
causes solid-like ‘gel’ domains to nucleate and grow in the fluid membrane.
We study the shape and size of these domains as well as their growth and
interactions.