Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore

Details Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore

2011-09-02

arxiv.org/abs/1109.0419v2

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

Scientific paper

Polymer-coated pores play a crucial role in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and in a number of biomimetic and nanotechnological applications. Here we present Monte Carlo and Density Functional Theory approaches to identify different collective phases of end-grafted polymers in a nanopore and to study their relative stability as a function of intermolecular interactions. Over a range of system parameters that is relevant for nuclear pore complexes, we observe two distinct phases: one with the bulk of the polymers condensed at the wall of the pore, and the other with the polymers condensed along its central axis. The relative stability of these two phases depends on the interpolymer interactions. The existence the two phases suggests a transport mechanism in which marginal changes in these interactions, possibly induced by nuclear transport receptors, cause the pore to transform between open and closed configurations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Bistable collective behavior of polymers tethered in a nanopore will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-687917