A model equations of the volume transport of multicomponent and heterogeneous non-ionic solutions in double-membrane system

J Biol Phys. 1998 Mar;24(1):59-78. doi: 10.1023/A:1005017619003.

Abstract

The volume flows model equation for a double-membrane system, in which two membranes separate three compartments (l,m,r) containing the heterogeneous, non-ionic n-component solutions is elaborated. In this system the solution concentrations fulfill the condition Clk > Cmk > Crk. The inter-membrane compartment (m) consists of the infinitesimal layer of solution. The volume of compartment m and external compartments (l and r) fulfill the conditions Vm→ 0 and Vl =Vr→∞ respectively. The linear dependences of the volume flux on concentration differences in binary solutions and nonlinear - in ternary solutions, were obtained. This model for binary and ternary non-electrolyte solutions is discussed. It is shown, that the double-membrane system has rectifying and amplifying properties for osmotic transport and mechanical pressure.

Keywords: Boundary layers; Gravitation force; Kedem-Katchalsky equations; Membrane transport.