# Phase Behavior of Ternary Lipid Mixtures in Asymmetric Membranes

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Carnegie Mellon University (PA) · $600,000

## Abstract

Markus Deserno of Carnegie Mellon University is supported by an award from the Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods program in the Division of Chemistry to investigate how the asymmetry of cell membranes affects the phase behavior of their lipid constituents. While it is well established that the two leaflets of most biological membranes differ in their lipid composition, recent evidence shows that this asymmetry extends to many other properties, such as elastic material parameters or mechanical stresses. Prof. Deserno will develop theoretical and computational techniques to elucidate how these new facets of asymmetry alter lipid mixing in each leaflet. He will focus on three-component model mixtures (saturated lipids, unsaturated lipids, and cholesterol), whose thermodynamics is well characterized, at least in the symmetric case. Prof. Deserno will predict how such membranes react to controlled perturbations (e.g. changing cholesterol content), which will be tested in collaboration with experimental groups. By uncovering a new dimension of membrane organization, this award will advance fundamental understanding of vital physiological processes. At the same time, it affords academic training for graduate and undergraduate students and incorporates educational activities involving a local high school, as well as an ongoing physics teachers training program.

Prof. Deserno will develop the theoretical framework and computational tools necessary to integrate diffe

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2514495
- **Awardee organization:** Carnegie Mellon University (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** U3NKNFLNQ613
- **PI:** Markus Deserno
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology, COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGING, Big Data Science &Engineering, CDS&E
- **Estimated total:** $600,000
- **Funds obligated:** $600,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2025 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2514495

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2514495, Phase Behavior of Ternary Lipid Mixtures in Asymmetric Membranes. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2514495. Licensed CC0.

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