Do the piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric properties of biological materials have any physiological significance?

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Abstract

Many thousands of papers have been published on the piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric properties of single crystals, ceramics, polymers and liquid crystals. Yet fewer than 100 papers have appeared on these properties in biological materials. Piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects have been measured in a number of plant and animal tissues and the possible existence of ferroelectricity has also been suggested. This paper will review some measurements and speculate on their significance. Specific examples will include piezoelectricity in a crystalline material in the pineal gland of the brain, pyroelectricity in the heat sensing organs of certain varieties of snakes and beetles, and ferroelectricity in the conduction of action potentials in nerve and muscle cells.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - International Symposium on Electrets
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages175-182
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)0780350251
StatePublished - 1 Dec 1999
Event10th International Symposium on Electrets (ISE 10) - Delphi, Greece
Duration: 22 Sep 199924 Sep 1999

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Symposium on Electrets

Conference

Conference10th International Symposium on Electrets (ISE 10)
CityDelphi, Greece
Period22/09/9924/09/99

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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