Faculty Articles
Bioferroelectricity at the Nanoscale
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Theoretical Computer Science
ISSN
0304-3975
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Abstract
This article discusses the dielectric properties of several biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies, especially PVDF, tubulin and microtubules as well as voltage-gated ion channels. The emphasis in this paper is placed on identifying the potential for the occurrence of bio-ferroelectricity and its role in biological functions, in particular self-assembly and control of mass and charge transport. Detailed discussion is given on the experimental and theoretical estimates of the value of the dielectric constant of tubulin as a crucial quantity defining both ferroelectric and conductive properties of microtubules. A critical need is stated for experimental data at the level of individual nano-scale components forming biological structures.
Volume
5
First Page
2022
Last Page
2032
NSUWorks Citation
Tuszynski, J. A.,
Craddock, T. J.,
Carpenter, R. J.
(2008). Bioferroelectricity at the Nanoscale. Theoretical Computer Science, 5, 2022-2032.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/1354
