A Review of Continuum Mechanics for Mechanical Deformation of Lipid Membranes

Mechanical deformation of lipid membranes plays important roles in various cellular tasks. Curvature deformation and lateral stretching are two major energy contributions to the mechanical deformation of lipid membranes. In this paper, continuum theories for these two major membrane deformation events were reviewed. Theories based on curvature elasticity and lateral surface tension were introduced. Numerical methods as well as biological applications of the theories were discussed.

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This paper reviews continuum theories based on curvature elasticity and lateral surface tension to describe the mechanical deformation of lipid membranes, including curvature deformation and lateral stretching. Numerical methods and biological applications of these theories are also discussed.