This Faraday Discussion will consider recent developments in the study of biomembrane structure, ordering and dynamics, with particular emphasis on the roles of lipids in these phenomena. As well as discussing new experimental and theoretical findings and novel methodologies, the meeting will focus on exploring the relevance of concepts from amphiphile self-assembly and soft matter physics to understanding biomembranes.

Themes :

Lipid self-assembly
Structure, ordering and dynamics of membranes
Lateral segregation, trans-bilayer coupling and microdomains
Membrane curvature, micromechanics and fusion
Lipid-protein interactions: two-way coupling
Interactions of signalling lipids and other molecules with membranes
Biomedical and technological applications of lipid membranes