Depletion effect and biomembrane budding.

ABSTRACT

Depletion effects are well known to lead to phase separation in microsystems consisting of large and small particles with short-range repulsive interactions that act over macromolecular length scales. The equilibrium mechanics between an enveloped colloidal particle and a biomembrane caused by entropy is investigated by using a continuum model. We show that the favorable contact energy stems from entropy, which is sufficient to drive engulfment of the colloidal particle, and deformation of the biomembrane determines the resistance to the engulfment of the colloidal particle. The engulfment process depends on the ratio of the radii of the larger particle and smaller particles and the bending rigidity. The results show insights into the effects of depletion on biomembrane budding and nanoparticle transportation by a vesicle.