We present a synergistic combination of simulations and experimental data on the dynamics of membrane adhesion. We show that a change in either the density or the strength of the bonds results in very different dynamics. Such behavior is explained by introducing an effective binding affinity that emerges as a result of the competition between the strength of the chemical bonds and the environment defined by the fluctuating membrane.

• Received 30 April 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.208103