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Biophysical effects of electric fields on membrane water interfaces: a mini review

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Abstract

Lipid–water interfaces are dielectric transition regions. Their local organizations are highly sophisticated. They are sensitive to electric field with dramatic consequences on the global membrane organization and function. The importance of using local values of parameters (e.g. dielectric constant) near water–solution interface due to hydration and different electrostatic effects is often neglected in the description of cellular functions. Structural changes in the lipid layer are induced by minute changes in the electric properties of the interface. They bring alterations in the structure and oligomerization of membrane proteins.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the Association française contre les Myopathies (AFM), of the region Midi Pyrenees and from the French Minister for Research (ACI “Effets sanitaires des radiotelephones”).

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  1. IPBS UMR 5089 UPS CNRS, 205 route de narbonne, 31077, Toulouse Cedex, France

    Justin Teissie

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  1. Justin Teissie
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Correspondence to Justin Teissie.

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Teissie, J. Biophysical effects of electric fields on membrane water interfaces: a mini review. Eur Biophys J 36, 967–972 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-007-0168-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-007-0168-9

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