Kinetic Pathway of Vesicle Formation

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Kinetic Pathway of Vesicle Formation

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 2nd September 2002
  • Speaker: Jacques Leng (University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

We studied the kinetics of vesicle formation in a mixed system (lipid + surfactant) using scattering techniques. This study reveals a strong dependence of the rates of vesicle formation and 'end-state' vesicle properties on total amphiphile concentration and, even more pronounced, on ionic strength. The observed trends contradict equilibrium calculations, but are in quantitative agreement with a kinetic model that we present. This model identifies the key kinetic steps during vesicle formation: rapid formation of disc-like intermediate micelles, growth of these micelles and closure to form vesicles. This work offers conclusive evidence for kinetic rather than thermodynamic control of the end-state properties. Click here for a preview (Europhys. Lett., 59(2), 2002, pp. 311-317).

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.