Shear-driven release of a bud from a multicomponent vesicle

The authors study the response of a multicomponent budded vesicle to an imposed shear flow using dissipative particle dynamics. Under certain circumstances, phase separation in the vesicle membrane leads to the formation of a minority domain which deforms into a nearly spherical bud in order to reduce its interfacial energy. The authors show that an imposed shear force has a varying effect on the vesicle, tending either to separate the bud from the vesicle or to stretch the bud open, depending on the vesicle orientation. The authors examine the interplay of membrane bending rigidity, line tension, and shear in determining the behavior of the vesicle. With the appropriate design, vesicles can be made to release buds in a controlled manner in response to shear. The authors outline a regime in which bud release is favorable.