Biophysical Journal 36: 21-25 (1981)
© 1981 the Biophysical Society

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A hydrodynamic theory of bilayer membrane formation.

ABSTRACT

A simple formula for the expansion rate U of the bilayer membrane perimeter was derived by the solution of the hydrodynamic and the Laplace equations at small rates and small contact angles: U = theta delta/6 micron ln (h/e 3/2 h0), where theta is the equilibrium contact angle between the bilayer membrane and the Plateau-Gibbs border, delta the excess membrane tension, micron the bulk viscosity, h the thickness of the thick liquid film, and h0 the thickness of the liquid core in the membrane. This formula coincides with the available experimental data, and explains the observed independence of the expansion rate on the membrane radius. The significance of the theory for the full description of the cell adhesion kinetics as well as the possible ways for its generalization are discussed.