Solution of non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation for erythrocyte membrane

Abstract

The space-dependent electric potential equations were determined by solution of non-linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation, which decribes an erythrocyte membrane model which takes into account the charges of molecules associated with lipidic bilayer (glycocalyx molecules, outer side, and spectrin, inner side). It was assumed that on both sides of the membrane the charges are homogeneously distributed. Therefore, the potential was dependent on the z-coordinate only. Thus, we obtained the potential profile curve. The results are compared to previous ones obtained from more simple membrane model (Bioelectroch. Bioenerg. 1993, 32:305-315).