Three kinds of W-potentials in nonlinear biophysics of microtubules

In the present article we investigate the nonlinear dynamics of microtubules, the basic components of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton, relying on the known general model. We introduce the W-potential energy, describing a crucial interaction among constitutive particles within the microtubule. Three kinds of this potential are studied, one symmetrical and two non-symmetrical. We demonstrate an advantage of the latter ones. Solutions of crucial differential equations are solitary waves. The stability of the solutions having physical sense is studied. We show that only subsonic solitary waves are stable, while supersonic ones are not. •To study nonlinear dynamics of a microtubule we start with Hamiltonian explaining it.•A crucial part of the Hamiltonian is W-potential energy.•We studied three types of W-potentials, one symmetric and two non-symmetric.•One of the non-symmetric potentials is the most convenient and can be used for both a tangential and radial model.