A novel zipper transition in tethered membranes

A computer simulation study is reported of a particular type of tethered membrane that has strong attraction between the monomers on its perimeter and self-avoidance among all monomers. There is ‘zipper’ transition, where the membrane folds and ‘zips’ closed around the rim, while remaining inflated in the interior. This suggests a new macromolecular vehicle for drug delivery. © 1998 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.