Abstract
Coarse-grained simulation methods for lipid membranes are reviewed. In particular, a meshless model and a highly simplified molecular model are explained with a few application examples: membrane self-assembly and micelle formation. When a vesicle composed of lipid and detergent types of molecules is ruptured, a disk-shaped micelle, the bicelle, is typically formed. Cup-shaped vesicles and octopus-like micelles are also formed depending on the surfactant ratio and critical micelle concentration.
