Self-Organized Criticality and Quantum Coherence in Tubulin Networks Under the Orch-OR Theory
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We provide a theoretical account to explain how tubulin dimers in neuronal microtubules can achieve collective quantum coherence, culminating in wavefunction collapses that manifest as avalanches within a self-organized critical (SOC) framework. We consider the idea from the Orch-OR theory that microtubule-lattice subunits become transiently entangled through dipole couplings, forming coherent states susceptible to self-collapse. Then, we employ a Barab´asi–Albert network of tubulin-like nodes, each evolving via local coupling and stochastic fluctuations. At criticality, the system develops avalanches, identified with abrupt wavefunction collapses in which the quantum superposition of tubulin states is collectively reduced. Based on the Di´osi–Penrose gravitational self-energy model, we compute objective-reduction times TOR = ℏ/Eg, targeting the 10–200 ms range linked to conscious events in the Hameroff–Penrose (Orch-OR) framework. Our approach demonstrates how quantum coherence at the tubulin scale, rather than being isolated, can be amplified by scale-free critical dynamics and this may help to connect subneuronal quantum mechanics and functional neural mechanisms.
Source: AppliedMath
Author: José Luis Díaz
Institution: Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4414747388