Network thermodynamics: analysis and synthesis of membrane transport system

The bond graph expression of network thermodynamics is a useful tool for modeling of biological systems [1, 8, 9, 13]. Epithelial transport systems, such as frog skin and the acinar cell of the salivary gland, have been modeled and simulated using this tool [8, 9]. However, thermodynamic description of a complex system has been considered difficult [1], and doubt has also been cast on the applicability of network thermodynamics to thermal or entropy relations [2]. In this review, I discussed the thermodynamic basis for network thermodynamics using the availability function and assuming local equilibrium [7]. I also showed the applicability of bond graphs to the analysis of nonisothermal systems which include thermal conduction, thermoosmotic and thermoelectric phenomena [13]. Thus, network thermodynamics is suitable for analysis of more complicated systems and for computer simulation.