The macroscopic quantum state of ion channels: A carrier of neural information

Abstract

Neuroscience has been extensively developed for more than seventy years; however, there still remains lack of breakthrough understanding in the neural information field. A quantum coherent state of ion channels is recently proposed in neural system as an information carrier, but its physical expression is still not fixed. Here, employing a simple K + channel as a typical instance, we theoretically build a conceptual model for the quantum state of a neural ion channel and demonstrate the macroscopic coherence state of multiple ion channels. The underlying mechanism is revealed to the mid-infrared photons released by ion oscillation in one ion channel together with their resonant and coherent coupling with the oscillations in other channels. An additional environment field (e.g., brain wave) may regulate the coherence, potentially relating to the human consciousness. Clearly, there exist the channels of other ions in a neural system, which also potentially form a macroscopic coherence state of themselves, with the mechanism identical to that of K + channels. An environment field can be expected to further regulate the quantum states of various ionic channels, leading to a total macroscopic coherence state of these channels, which is like the conductor in a symphony to achieve the harmony in music. These findings are expected to provide a promising viewpoint for neuroscience, as well as to improve treatments of the diseases and health problems related to neural system.

From Dynamic Superwettability to Ionic/Molecular Superfluidity

“…SongB.JiangL. Song, B. Jiang, L. 10.1007/s40843-021-1644-620216425722579 …”

“…Schematic representation of the quantum state of confined K + through the channel in the form of ionic collective motion. Reproduced with permission from ref . Copyright 2021 Science China Press and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.…”

“…The λ D of an ion is inversely proportional to half of the power of its concentration . For the quantum state of confined K + in a channel, the quantum wave function is simply expressed as with | A N | 2 ∝ N , the frequency ω = ω O ≈ , and the wave vector k z = k = 2 hπ /λ according to a one-dimentional lattice model, where N indicates the number of phonons with energy ℏω and ω O and λ denote the frequency and wavelength of the optical phonon branch, respectively. C 0 indicates the averaged coupling constant of the K + ion and the negatively charged O atom along the channel-axis direction (i.e., the z direction), m stands for the mass of the K + ion, and φ represents the initial phase.…”

“…The quantum states of ions might be considered to be bioinformation carriers with a very large amount of data . We have employed a simple K + channel as a typical instance, theoretically built a conceptual model for the quantum state of a neural ion channel, and demonstrated the macroscopic coherent state of multiple ion channels . The mechanism was revealed that the multipole oscillation of confined ions in each channel can release mid-IR photons, which could be further resonantly absorbed by the ion oscillations in other channels (Figure a).…”

Bioinspired Artificial Ion Pumps

“…With advances in chemical synthesis, nanofabrication, and materials processing technology, these different artificial ion pumps could be constructed from the hybridization of each other and then show great improved functional potential. The study of bioinspired artificial ion pumps can aid in our understanding of the transport processes in biological ion pumps, as well as our exploration of the relationship between the internal structure of ion pumps and the selective transit of molecules through them. − …”