Seebeck–Peltier Transition Approach to Oncogenesis

Abstract

In this paper, a non-equilibrium thermodynamic approach to cancer is developed. The thermo-electric effects in the cell membrane are analysed, in relation to the Seebeck-like and the Peltier-like effects. The role of the cell membrane electric potential is studied from a thermodynamic viewpoint, pointing out the relation between the proliferation rate and the membrane potential, the existence of a thermodynamic threshold for the mitotic activity, the relation between metastases and membrane potential and the comprehension of the role of ions fluxes in the cell behaviour.

Keywords

• membrane electric potential
• heat flux
• ions fluxes
• cancer
• non-equilibrium thermodynamics