Analytical approach to thermodynamics of bolalipid membranes.

In this work we derive analytically various thermodynamic properties of bolalipid membranes using microscopic model (elastic strings) and path-integral technique. Among calculated characteristics are lateral pressure profile (with and without hairpin bolalipids), chain orientational order parameter, pressure-area isotherms, coefficient of thermal area expansion, compressibility modulus, and area per bolalipid chain as a function of temperature. Results are compared with our previous ones for a monopolar lipid bilayer and with results of other relevant studies. The limiting case of absolutely rigid strings is also considered. Evaluation of quantum effects is made and found to be negligible.