Lateral organization in mixed lipid bilayers supported on a geometrically patterned substrate

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study on how geometrically patterned substrates influence the lateral organization of mixed lipids in supported bilayers, providing insights into controlling membrane composition for biosensor design.

Contribution

It introduces the first theoretical model explaining substrate-induced lipid segregation, unifying experimental observations and advancing understanding of membrane organization control.

Findings

Lipid segregation patterns are regulated by substrate geometry.

The model accounts for experimental lipid organization results.

Mechanically controlling membrane components is feasible through substrate patterning.

Abstract

The organization of lipids in biological membranes is essential for cellular functions such as signal transduction and membrane trafficking. A major challenge is how to control lateral lipid composition in supported membranes which are crucial for the design of biosensors and investigation of cellular processes. Here, we undertake the first theoretical study of lateral organization of mixed lipids in bilayers induced by a geometrically patterned substrate, and examine the physical mechanism of patterned substrate-induced structural formation in the supported lipid bilayers. A rich variety of composition segregations of lipids are regulated, and the results can account well for most recent experimental works [Yoon, T. Y. et al. \textit{Nat. Mater.} \textbf{5}, 281(2006) and Parthasarathy, R. et al. \textit{Langmuir} \textbf{22}, 5095(2006)]. The present study provides a comprehensive understanding of mechanically controlling the spatial organization of membrane components by unifying these experimental evidences.