Diffusion potentials of polyelectrolytes and their possible relationship to biological electrochemical phenomena

An experimental system has been devised to measure the diffusion potentials of simple salts and polyelectrolytes. The diffusion potentials generated by concentration gradients of chondroitin sulphate in water and also in the presence of an uncharged polymeric network have been measured. The potentials were found to be in excellent agreement with values calculated from the classical Nerst equations modified by the use of the Manning theory (1969) for counterion polyelectrolyte interaction. The restricted diffusion or immobilization of the polyions leads to the development of substantial potentials which persist at physiological ionic strength. These potentials may be of biological importance in connective tissues and in transmission of nerve impulses.