Diffusion coefficient in biomembrane critical pores

J Bioenerg Biomembr. 2017 Dec;49(6):445-450. doi: 10.1007/s10863-017-9726-8. Epub 2017 Oct 10.

Abstract

Diffusion is fundamental to the random movement of solutes in solution throughout biological systems. Theoretical studies of diffusing solutes across cell membranes confined in a microscopic size of pores have been an interesting subject in life and medical sciences. When a solute is confined in a critical area of membrane pores, which shows a quite different behavior compared to the homogeneous-bulk fluid whose transport is isotropic in all directions. This property has novel features, which are of considerable physiological interest.

Keywords: Interfaces; Ion channels; Ionophores; Lateral pressure profile; Line and surface tensions; Liposomes; Mechanosensitive channels; Porins; Tortuosity; α-/ β-helixes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Diffusion*
  • Humans
  • Porosity
  • Solutions

Substances

  • Solutions