Adhesion of nanoparticles to vesicles: a Brownian dynamics simulation

Biophys J. 2002 Jul;83(1):299-308. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(02)75170-9.

Abstract

We studied the interaction of bilayer vesicles and adhesive nanoparticles using a Brownian dynamics simulation. The nanoparticles are simple models of proteins or colloids. The adhering nanoparticle induces the morphological change of the vesicle: budding, formation of two vesicles in which only outer monolayers are connected, and fission. We also show that the nanoparticle promotes the fusion process: fusion-pore opening from a stalk intermediate, a neck-like structure that only connects outer monolayers of two vesicles. The nanoparticle bends the stalk, and induces the pore opening.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Membrane Fusion*
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Statistical
  • Nanotechnology
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Lipid Bilayers