Liquid Crystal Physics and the Physics of Living Matter

Abstract

Nowadays, a modern physical theory becomes of a principle importance in understanding the complexities of the living world: the physics of lyotropic states of matter. We demonstrate here what kind of specification is necessary in the molecular description of lyomesogens, in the theory of elastic and flexoelectric phenomena, in order to make this part of liquid crystal physics suitable for describing and understanding the complex behaviour and structure function relationship of biomembranes. We underline the role of a mechanical degree of freedom, the curvature, of liquid crystal systems, both model and living ones. Moreover, we stress the interrelation of the mechanical degree of freedom to the electrical, optical and chemical degrees of freedom of membranes, resulting in the sophisticated living cellular mechanisms.

Key Words:

• lyotropics
• biomembranes
• elasticity
• flexoelectricity