(587h) Electromechanical Coupling in Biological Membranes

The fundamental unit of life, the biological cell, relies on its membrane, serving as a barrier that regulates the passage of molecules. This cell membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining the internal environment's integrity while responding to external stimuli. Notably, cellular membranes exhibit a remarkable sensitivity to electric fields, a trait essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. These electric fields can arise from either external factors or internal ionic imbalances within the cellular environment. While external electric fields raise concerns regarding potential hazards and hold promise for various biomedical applications, internal ionic gradients are the subject of intense research aimed at understanding cellular signaling mechanisms. Experimental evidence reveals that when exposed to electric fields, cellular membranes undergo a diverse array of morphological changes. These changes are driven by mechanisms such as flexoelectricity, where membrane curvature induces polarization, and Maxwell stress, which alters membrane thickness and surface tension. The primary focus is here to develop a comprehensive set of theoretical and computational models to elucidate the mechanical and electromechanical properties of biological membranes. These models will shed light on how these properties influence crucial cellular activities, including the activation of ion channels like piezo1 and the interactions of membranes with nanoparticles for drug delivery purposes. By unraveling these complexities, we can gain deeper insights into cellular behavior and pave the way for innovative biomedical applications. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the National Science Foundation, United States through Grants No. CMMI-2237530 and CBET- 2327899.