title: High frequency electrically-induced force generation by cellular plasma membranes.
abstract: Using a novel experimental technique that combines optical trapping with patch-clamp and fluorescence photometry, we provide preliminary evidence that native biological membranes are capable of electrically-induced piconewton level force generation in the absence of specialized transmembrane proteins. Force generation is dependent on membrane tension and the transmembrane electrical potential. Salicylate diminishes and presence of prestin, a transmembrane protein found in cochlear outer hair cells, enhances force generation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA (phone: 713-348- 5870; fax: 713-348- 5877; e-mail: anvari@rice. edu).
authors.forename: Bahman
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Anvari
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Brownell