Electromechanical effects in biological membranes

A biological membrane can sustain high electrical fields but ultimately will breakdown by a process of electroporation. The electrical forces acting on the membrane in an electrical field are examined and it is concluded that in addition to a Maxwellian-like compressive force transverse to the membrane other lateral forces of electro-capillary type are also generated which act to lower the interfacial cohesion. It is suggested that it is these that are responsible for membrane lysis and for controlling pore behaviour generally.