Kink propagation in the Artificial Axon

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical behavior of kinks in the Artificial Axon, a biomolecular system capable of supporting action potentials, highlighting the existence of stationary, non-equilibrium solitary waves and their analogy to phase interfaces.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of kink propagation in the Artificial Axon, revealing stationary non-equilibrium solitary waves and drawing analogies with phase interfaces in condensed matter.

Findings

Stationary kinks are possible in the Artificial Axon system.

Kinks are non-equilibrium, dissipative structures.

Analogies with condensed matter phase interfaces are discussed.

Abstract

The Artificial Axon is a unique synthetic system, based on biomolecular components, which supports action potentials. Here we consider, theoretically, the corresponding space extended system, and discuss the occurrence of solitary waves, or kinks. In contrast to action potentials, stationary kinks are possible. We point out an analogy with the interface separating two condensed matter phases, though our kinks are always non-equilibrium, dissipative structures, even when stationary.