Strain, stress and energy in lipid bilayer induced by electrostatic/electrokinetic forces

►Lipid bilayer was deformed by electrostatic forces due to membrane surface charges. ►The physics was evaluated using elastic-electrostatic-electrokinetic equations. ►The bottom monolayer extends vertically and compresses horizontally. ►Unexpectedly the shear stress is greater in tails sections. ►Uniform external force can produce complex membrane deformation and stress profiles.