Finite element model of charge transport across ionic channels

Purpose - The paper aims to illustrate the two kinds of analysis approach for which finite element method (FEM) can be successfully employed: the Poisson-Nernst-Planck (PNP) model and the Langevin-Lorentz-Poisson (LLP) one. Design/methodology/approach - The approach of this work is to try making a survey of the use of the FEM in the modelling of charge transport/ion flow across membrane channels, in particular for the PNP analysis and for a particle based model such as LLP model. Findings - In this paper, the two kinds of analysis approach for which FEM can be successfully employed, the PNP model and the LLP one, have been shown. In both cases the FEM is extremely useful to carry out these analysis and the simulation results obtained are in good agreement with experimental results. Originality/value - The value of this paper is to demonstrate the FEM is extremely useful to carry out analysis and results which are in good agreement with experimental ones. Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.