Two-dimensional model of vesicle adhesion on curved substrates

Abstract We develop a two dimensional model of a vesicle adhered on a curved substrate via long-range molecular interactions while subjected to a detachment force. The relationship between the force and displace-ment of the vesicle is investigated as a function of the substrate shape. It is shown that both the force– displacement relationship and the maximum force at pull-off are significantly dependent on the substrate shape. The results suggest that probes with different tip shapes may be designed for cell manipulation. For example, we demonstrate that a vesicle can be pulled off a flat surface using a probe with a curved tip