EFFECT OF DIELECTRIC-CONSTANT ON THE ELECTROSTATIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN 2 ION-PENETRABLE CHARGED MEMBRANES

The electrostatic interactions between two ion-penetrable charged membranes are investigated theoretically. In particular, the effect of the difference in the dielectric constant of bulk solution and that of membrane on potential distribution and electrostatic force are discussed. We conclude that the difference between these two dielectric constants has a significant effect on both the potential distribution and the electrostatic force; assuming that these dielectric constants are equal, as in the previous studies, may lead to a significant deviation from the exact result. © 1993 by Academic Press, Inc.