S. Doglia

A quantum field theoretical approach to the collective behaviour of biological systems

Abstract An analysis at the level of molecular excitations is proposed for describing the biological system collective dynamics. In the resulting quantum field theory scheme the system is considered to oscillate between two different regimes: one characterized by a localized Bose condensation of quanta, the other one by an extended homogeneous condensation with a long-range correlation. The transition between these regimes is seen as the transition between different vacua. Dissipativity, which is typical of the biological systems, is shown to be the macroscopic manifestation of a microscopic invariance law.

Electromagnetic field and spontaneous symmetry breaking in biological matter

Abstract Dynamical effects of electromagnetic interaction among electric dipoles in biological systems are studied. On the basis of a previous analysis in terms of spontaneous breakdown of symmetry we show that the Anderson-Higgs-Kibble mechanism occurs, which manifests itself in a self-focusing mechanism of propagation for the electromagnetic field inside the biological systems. Phenomenological consequences, such as the formation of filamentary structures of the type occurring in cell cytoskeleton, are analyzed. The appearance of nonzero temperature due to the finite size and polarization of the system, and the relation with dissipativity are also discussed.

Magnetic flux quantization and Josephson behaviour in living systems

The proposal of coherent electromagnetic processes as the engine for biological dynamics suggests that Josephson effects could be present in living cells. Positive experimental evidence is reported and discussed.

A Collective Dynamics in Metabolically Active Cells

A model to explain the Raman spectra of metabolically active cells is proposed. A tight interplay between coherent electric vibrations and vibrational solitons is shown to provide a qualitative understanding of the main spectral features.

Structures, Correlations and Electromagnetic Interactions in Living Matter: Theory and Applications

Modern physics has elucidated many problems about the structure of complex systems by connecting the apparent macroscopic features to the collective properties of microscopic components. The bridge is provided by the Quantum Field Theory (QFT), which has been recognized as equivalent to a statistical mechanics of assemblies with infinite degrees of freedom. Moreover the quantum theory has been able to account for the emergence of ordered systems from non-ordered sets of microscopic components. Crystals, ferromagnets and superconductors have been successfully described by this approach.

Self-focusing of Fröhlich waves and cytoskeleton dynamics

Abstract We discuss the occurence of self-focusing of Frohlich electric vibrations in living cells by investigating the Kerr activity of actin solutions. This process could provide a dynamical support of the filamentous microstructure of cell cytoplasm.

SPONTANEOUS SYMMETRY BREAKDOWN AND BOSON CONDENSATION IN BIOLOGY

Abstract Electric polarization waves predicted by Frolich in living cells are identified as the Goldstone massless modes which appear as a consequence of the spontaneous breakdown of the SU(2) dipole-rotational symmetry. This breaking is provided by the water polarization induced by Davydov solitons travelling on molecular chains.

Self-focusing and Ponderomotive Forces of Coherent Electric Waves: A Mechanism for Cytoskeleton Formation and Dynamics

Coherent electric waves have been predicted to exist in biological systems.(1) We try to link the consequences of their propagation in the cell medium to some peculiar features of cell architecture and organization such as cytoskeleton formation and dynamics.(2) This will give a consistency argument m favour of the existence of coherent electric waves m living systems.(3)

Nonlinear properties of coherent electric vibrations in living cells

Abstract It is shown that the coherent electric longitudinal vibrations predicted by Frohlich and experimentally detected by Webb in living cells actually obey nonlinear optical laws. These vibrations might form a network of filaments inside cells.

Collective Properties of Biological Systems

We present a dynamical scheme for biological systems. We use methods and techniques of quantum field theory since our analysis is at a microscopic molecular level. Davydov solitons on biomolecular chains and coherent electric dipole waves are described as collective dynamical modes. Electric polarization waves predicted by Frohlich are identified with the Goldstone massless modes of the theory with spontaneous breakdown of the dipole-rotational symmetry. Self-organization, dissipativity, and stability of biological systems appear as observable manifestations of the microscopic quantum dynamics.