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

William Gelbart得到了理论和计算化学计划的资助，继续他的研究，涉及流体双层、片层相、囊泡和脂质体的统计力学。将讨论四个具体主题：1)泡间静电和侧向电荷不均匀；2)双层融合中间体的结构和自由能；3)胶束形状、大小和浓缩表面活性剂溶液中的长程有序性之间的耦合；以及4)有或没有加入表面活性剂的脂双层对张力的响应。这项研究将结合形式的泊松-玻尔兹曼理论和使用分子动力学和蒙特卡罗技术的计算机模拟。这项工作直接影响到几个具有重要战略意义的研究领域，包括对细胞膜和药物输送系统的了解。

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.