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Published on: September 26, 2016
Translocation of polymers in a lattice model
S Zurek1, M Kośmider, A Drzewiński
1Institute of Physics, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland.
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|June 16, 2012
Summary
This study models voltage-driven polymer translocation using a stochastic lattice model. Translocation time depends on voltage or diffusion, influenced by chain length and motion rules.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Polymer Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Polymer translocation across membranes is crucial in biological processes and nanotechnology.
- Understanding the factors influencing translocation speed, such as applied voltage and polymer properties, is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate voltage-driven polymer translocation using a stochastic lattice model.
- To analyze the interplay between applied voltage, polymer characteristics, and translocation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a stochastic lattice model incorporating voltage drop across a membrane.
- Analysis of hopping rates, driven motion, and diffusive supply/drift of polymer segments.
- Characterization of translocation time in bias-limited and diffusion-limited regimes.
Main Results:
- Translocation time is either bias-limited (inversely proportional to voltage) or diffusion-limited (voltage-independent).
- Model parameters, including chain length and motion rules, significantly affect translocation dynamics.
- Polymer throughput is reduced by repton repulsion and increased chain length; hernia mechanisms induce Rouse-to-reptation crossover.
Conclusions:
- The stochastic lattice model effectively captures key aspects of voltage-driven polymer translocation.
- The study elucidates the distinct behaviors in different translocation regimes and their dependencies on physical parameters.
- Findings provide insights into controlling polymer transport through nanopores, relevant for biotechnological applications.
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