Dynamics of Fractal Ruptures in Biomembranes

Pores with fractal morphologies have been observed and characterized in flat giant unilamellar vesicles as a response to moderate tensile stress originating from membrane adhesion solid supports. The ruptures, or pores, occur spontaneously grow step-wise tension builds up between intermittent pore expansion events. We focus on the dynamics of fractures determine their size, frequency intermittency aim possible link macro-scale fracture materials. Our model system consists fluorescently labeled biomimetic membranes, composed lipid material extracted plants bacteria. membranes are formed high energy substrates (SiO2) presence fusogenic agents promoting adhesion. follow propagation ruptures by means laser scanning confocal microscopy. preliminary analyses indicate that occurring at nanoscale, exhibit crackling noise characteristics Gutenberg-Richter law, which both describe macro- megascale phenomena typical for seismic