Modelling the dynamics of cellular membranes

by Dr Andreu Fernández Gallen (Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona)

Wednesday 7 Dec 2022, 14:00 → 15:00 Portugal

Sala de Conferências (Departamento de Física FCTUC)

Cellular membranes characterize some cells to a great degree and are key in many biological processes like blood rheology, exocytosis, and endocytosis. We developed new numerical models for the cell membrane based on the Helfrich theory.
 

We use a new and simple method to solve the fluid flow based on the use of the stream function and the vorticity. With this model, we have explored new phenomena and replicated experimental results of red blood cells in microfluidic channels.  A shape we named anti-parachute is obtained and the effects of the cell’s confinement are studied. Moreover, this model allows for easy study of any flow velocity profile that has an analytical expression when no obstacle is present (like Poiseuille or Couette flows) and oscillating flows if desired.
A second model will be shown where we study vesicle formation through the addition of the Gaussian curvature energy term. This energetical term is usually avoided as it's topologically invariant and complex to compute. However, its addition allows us to study membranes during topological transitions. With this model we can obtain multiple fission events from a single initial membrane tube, replicating previous experimental works.

Andreu Fernández Gallén, Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona.