Contribution of Electromagnetic Fluctuations to the Free Energy of Protein Films

Abstract

This article investigates contribution to the free energy of thin protein films, deposited on substrates made of inorganic materials, which is caused by fluctuations of the electromagnetic field. It is shown that for thinner than $1\ \mu \mathbf{m}$ protein films deposited on a silica glass substrate the magnitude of the fluctuation-induced free energy is of order 0.1 fJ/mm2, Dependence of this free energy on the volume fraction of plasticizer and on the film thickness are found.