Modeling cell-substratum adhesion: Molecular simulation and continuum mechanics approach

Many experimental techniques have been exploited to investigate the interfacial characteristics of a deformed lipid vesicle on the solid substrate. However, molecular dynamics study of lipid vesicle adhering on a solid substrate is rarely investigated so far. In this study hydrated dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) double rings adhering on a glass substrate were studied. The interfacial energy of the deformed DMPC double rings were calculated when DMPC lipids were undergoing the phase transition. Results of molecular simulation is consistent with our experimental and modeling using con tinuum mechanics. Both the spontaneous adhesion force and adhesion strength can be estimated readily with the measured contact area of adhering vesicle.