Convergence of an approximation for rotationally symmetric two-phase lipid bilayer membranes

Abstract

We consider a diffuse interface approximation for the lipid phases of rotationally symmetric two-phase bilayer membranes and rigorously derive its $\Gamma$-limit. In particular, we prove that limit vesicles are $C^1$ across interfaces, which justifies a regularity assumption that is widely made in formal asymptotic and numerical studies. Moreover, a limit membrane may consist of several topological spheres, which are connected at the axis of revolution and resemble complete buds of the vesicle.