Electrostatic adhesion between fluid membranes: Phase separation and blistering

The electrostatically controlled adhesion of giant vesicles on supported membranes is studied by microinterferometry allowing quantitative evaluation of contact formation and surface profile near the contact area. Under suitable conditions the adhesion induced segregation of charged lipids in one of the membranes of contact zone. This leads to patches of tight contact and decoupled blisters, which are demonstrated for the first time. The stabilization of the pressurized blisters is rationalized in terms of counterion accumulation in the contact area ensuring charge neutrality.