Simulation of Domain Formation in DLPC−DSPC Mixed Bilayers

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Abstract
Binary mixtures of two phosphatidylcholines of different chain lengths are simulated in the bilayer state. We find a phase transition between a liquid state and a gel state at all concentrations. This phase transition is characterized by the area per lipid headgroup, the order parameter, and a change in dynamics. At concentrations with a majority of the longer lipid, we find phase separation into a gel and a liquid state in a small temperature window. This leads to a strong dynamic heterogeneity. Experimental phase transition temperatures are reproduced semiquantitatively. We see a clear shift in the phase transition to higher temperatures with increasing concentration of the longer lipid.