title: Optimal loading of molecular bonds.
abstract: A corollary of the Bell equation of bond rupture is that the bond transfers a maximal impulse during its lifetime when the applied force equals k(B)T/x*. It is proposed that the designs of biological systems converge toward loading bonds with this optimal force to minimize the need for self-healing and to optimize energy transfer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 1210 Amsterdam Ave., New York, New York 10027, USA. hh2374@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hess
mesh_terms: D000199:Actins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016547:Kinesins / Q000737:chemistry*; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D012518:Sarcomeres / Q000378:metabolism; D014404:Tubulin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000199:Actins; D014404:Tubulin; D016547:Kinesins