Bioferroelectricity at the Nanoscale

Author(s)

J. A. Tuszynski
Travis J.A. Craddock, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
R. J. Carpenter

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Publication Title

Theoretical Computer Science

Volume

5

First Page

2022

ISSN

0304-3975

Last Page

2032

Abstract/Excerpt

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.

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