Double layer mediated energy conversion with a protein membrane using an imposed frequency and wavelength

Abstract

A mechanical excitation of known temporal frequency and fixed spatial wavelength is imposed on a collagen membrane in a homogeneous aqueous electrolyte environment. An electrical response is measured at the same frequency as the imposed mechanical excitation. A quasi-one dimensional model is developed which includes the effects of electrolyte viscous shear and normal forces as well as inertial and normal pressure forces. Experimental parameters examined include collagen membrane tension, amplitude of the mechanical excitation, system geometry and the electrolyte bath pH. The objective of this work is to model and evaluate electromechanical transductive coupling with charged membranes at the device or system level as well as at the macromolecular level. The results are also directly relevant to physiological electromechanical processes occurring in connective tissue structures such as cartilage.