Searching for Quantum in Biological Ion Channels

Transmembrane ion channels are proteins that allow ions to travel in and out of a cell. Normal operation of ion channels is essential for cellular well-being, and its disruption can lead to neurological disorders and cancer proliferation. Yet, the operation of ion channels and some of their fundamental properties are not well understood at the nanoscale. Of particular interest are the effects arising from the interactions with the nowadays ubiquitous external electromagnetic fields. We are working towards combining state-of-the-art electrophysiology with synchronized electromagnetic field excitation (of different strengths, frequencies, and directions) in order to perform a systematic study of these light-biomatter interactions -- from static fields to optical frequencies. Our ultimate goal is to investigate length- and timescales in which quantum effects are expected to play a significant role on ion channel properties, and develop tools that will allow us not only to study these effects, but also to control the ion channel performance via quantum degrees of freedom.