Statistical Mechanics of Fluid Bilayers: Lamellar Phases, Vesicles, and Liposomes

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William Gelbart is supported by a grant from the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to continue his studies involving statistical mechanics of fluid bilayers, lamellar phases, vesicles and liposomes. Four specific topics will be addressed: 1) inter vesicle electrostatics and lateral charge inhomogeneities; 2) structure and free energy of bilayer fusion intermediates; 3) coupling between micellar shapes, sizes, and long-range ordering in concentrated surfactant solutions; and 4) response of lipid bilayers to tension, with and without incorporated surfactant. A combination of formal Poisson-Boltzmann theory and computer simulations using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo techniques will be used in this research. This work impinges directly on several strategically important areas of research including an understanding of cell membranes and drug delivery systems.