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arXiv · 2601.16430

Active Particles Destabilize Passive Membranes

David A. King·Thomas P. Russell·Ahmad K. Omar
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Abstract

We present a theory for the interaction between active particles and a passive flexible membrane. By explicitly solving for the pressure exerted by the active particles, we show that they reduce the membrane tension and bending modulus and introduce novel non-local contributions to the membrane mechanics. This theory predicts activity-induced instabilities and their morphology are in agreement with recent experimental and simulation data.

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David A. King, Thomas P. Russell, Ahmad K. Omar. 2026-01-23. Active Particles Destabilize Passive Membranes. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.16430

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