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Tension dynamics and viscoelasticity of extensible wormlike chains
Benedikt Obermayer1, Erwin Frey
1Arnold Sommerfeld Center and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstr 37, 80333 München, Germany.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|November 13, 2009
Summary
Prestressed semiflexible biopolymers exhibit unique tension dynamics due to their stiff backbones. Moderate prestress reveals Rouse-like extensibility in high-frequency viscoelastic responses.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Polymer Physics
- Soft Matter Physics
Background:
- Semiflexible biopolymers possess a stiff backbone, leading to tension dynamics.
- Tension arises from near inextensibility and is coupled to contour length and strain relaxation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a systematic theory for tension dynamics in stiff yet extensible wormlike chains.
- To investigate the influence of prestress on the viscoelastic response of these biopolymers.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of tension propagation and relaxation.
- Analysis of dynamics considering contour length and local strain.
Main Results:
- A systematic theory for tension dynamics in prestressed wormlike chains is presented.
- Moderate prestress induces distinct Rouse-like extensibility signatures.
- These signatures are observed in the high-frequency viscoelastic response.
Conclusions:
- Prestress significantly alters the viscoelastic behavior of semiflexible biopolymers.
- The findings provide insights into the mechanical properties of biopolymers under tension.
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