High Frequency Electrically-Induced Force Generation by Cellular Plasma Membranes

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