The stability of solitons in biomembranes and nerves

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2011 Jun;34(6):57. doi: 10.1140/epje/i2011-11057-0. Epub 2011 Jun 9.

Abstract

We examine the stability of a class of solitons, obtained from a generalization of the Boussinesq equation, which have been proposed to be relevant for pulse propagation in biomembranes and nerves. These solitons are found to be stable with respect to small-amplitude fluctuations. They emerge naturally from non-solitonic initial excitations and are robust in the presence of dissipation. Solitary waves pass through each other with only minor dissipation when their amplitude is small. Large-amplitude solitons fall apart into several pulses and small-amplitude noise upon collision when the maximum density of the membrane is limited by the density of the solid phase membrane.

MeSH terms

  • Membrane Lipids / chemistry*
  • Membranes / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Nerve Tissue / chemistry*
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Membrane Lipids