On the Origin of the Magnetic Concentration Gradient Force and Its Interaction Mechanisms with Mass Transfer in Paramagnetic Electrolytes

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze the origin of the magnetic concentration gradient force. The force will be studied in a diffusion system where a paramagnetic electrolyte diffuses through a thin, inert membrane under the influence of a homogeneous magnetic field. The force will be analyzed using the theory of magnetic circuits, i.e., by the concept of minimum reluctance principles. In addition, based on some previous studies, it will be discussed whether the minimum reluctance principle can be applied to mass transfer into and out of the diffusion layer at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The results show that the magnetic concentration gradient force arises as a consequence of the minimum reluctance principle. Applied to the diffusion system, the magnetic concentration gradient force arises in the membrane as a consequence of the concentration gradient and hence, the reluctance gradient. The force acts on the flow in such a way that the reluctance in the membrane is minimized. The force implies two interaction mechanisms: attraction of the paramagnetic electrolyte flowing into the membrane in order to decrease the reluctance, and hindrance of the paramagnetic electrolyte flowing out of the membrane in order to hinder an increase in the reluctance. Based on previous studies, it is shown that the minimum reluctance principle can be applied to mass transfer into or out of the diffusion layer at electrode/electrolyte interfaces as well.

Static magnetic fields as a factor in modification of tissue and cell structure: a review

“…The influence of magnetic fields on living organisms, their tissues, cells and intracellular processes shows significant variation. Researchers have reported that SMF enhances cell viability, proliferation (Costa et al, 2020;Escobar et al, 2020;Feng et al, 2022;Huo et al, 2020;Luo et al, 2021), cell diffusion (Zablotskii, 2022;Waskaas, 2021), cell division (Coletti et al, 2007;Darwish and Darwish, 2022;Jin et al, 2019;Prina-Mello et al, 2005;Wong et al, 2015), and changes cell morphology and membrane potential. However, some biological effects of SMFs reported in the literature are not consistent or are even controversial which may be caused by differences in the magnetic field used and the types of biological samples.…”

Effects of High Magnetic Fields on the Diffusion of Biologically Active Molecules

“…Let us start with a brief description of the relevant magnetic forces that may affect diffusion in cells. When a static magnetic field is applied to cell systems, three types of magnetic forces can act on subcellular components, molecules, and ions: (i) the Lorentz force, F L = q[ vB ] (where B is the magnetic induction, q is the ion electric charge, and v is its velocity); (ii) the magnetic gradient force, F ∇ B ∝∇ B 2 [ 23 , 24 , 25 ] (when the magnetic field is uniform (∇ B = 0), the magnetic gradient force is zero); (iii) the concentration-gradient magnetic force, F ∇ n ∝ B 2 ∇ n [ 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ] (where ∇ n is the gradient of the concentration of diamagnetic and paramagnetic species, and ∇ is the differential operator nabla).…”