This study provides first evidence that packets of sound can propagate without dispersion (solitary waves) in 2D single molecule thin films of phospholipids. The resulting systematic reorientation and condensation of the molecules was observed optically via energy transfer. The study predicts that single bio-molecules, the “inhabitants” of the flatland, can literally “talk” via the continuous 2D interface.
While the 2D acoustic phenomenon exhibit striking similarities (solitary, biphasic with a threshold) to communication in nerves, if it can indeed form a new basis for biological signaling remains to be seen. The work has been published today in the Journal of Royal Society Interface. Also featured in Phys.org
Propagation of 2D Pressure Pulses in Lipid Monolayers and Its Possible Implications for Biology
The existence and propagation of acoustic pressure pulses on lipid monolayers at the air-water interface are directly observed by simple mechanical detection. The pulses are excited by small amounts of solvents added to the monolayer. Controlling the state of the lipid interface, we show that the pulses propagate at velocities c following the lateral compressibility κ. This is manifested by a pronounced minimum in c (∼0.3 m/s) within the transition regime. The role of interface density pulses in biology is discussed, in particular, in the context of communicating localized alterations in protein function (signaling) and nerve pulse propagation.
Physical Review Letter's: Editor's Suggestion
J. Griesbauer, S. Bössinger, A. Wixforth, and M. F. Schneider
Published 9 May 2012 (5 pages)
The Flatland-Factory: nanoscale acoustic waves, transport and separate membrane anchored proteins in 2Dimension.
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