Ion Flow Dynamics with Higher-Order Permanent Charge

Abstract

In this research, we explore how permanent charges affect the movement of ionic currents through ion channels. We use a quasi-one-dimensional classical Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) model to study two types of ions, one positively charged and the other negatively charged. The distribution of permanent charges is simple, with zero values at both ends and a constant permanent charge in the middle region. We treat the classical PNP model as a boundary value problem (BVP) of a singularly perturbed system. The solution to the BVP, in the presence of a small permanent charge exhibits a regular dependence on this parameter. We conduct a systematic perturbation analysis for the singular solution, focusing on understanding higher-order effects arising from permanent charges. This analysis uncovers a subtle interplay between boundary conditions and channel geometry, determining the overall impact.