Adhesion of soft membranes controlled by tension and interfacial polymers.

We examine experimental and theoretical aspects of nonspecific adhesion of giant vesicles on modified surfaces as model systems for cell spreading. Using dual-wave interference microscopy and new analysis, membrane undulations as well as large scale vesicle shape are monitored. Measurements and modelling show that the nucleation of adhesion depends critically on the interfacial polymer and membrane tension. Patch growth is governed by local membrane geometry, adhesion energy, and local viscosity. Finally, spreading stops when tension induced by adhesion unfolds excess membrane area.