Anisotropic Mean-Field Theory for Semiflexible Polymer Dynamics under Tension
Year: 2009
Type: preprint
Abstract: We introduce an anisotropic mean-field approach for the dynamics of semiflexible polymers under intermediate tension, the force range where a chain is partially extended but not in the asymptotic regime of a nearly straight contour. The theory is designed to exactly reproduce the lowest order equilibrium averages of a stretched polymer, and treats the full complexity of the problem: the resulting dynamics include the coupled effects of long-range hydrodynamic interactions, backbone stiffness, and large-scale polymer contour fluctuations. Validated by Brownian hydrodynamics simulations and comparison to optical tweezer measurements on stretched DNA, the theory is highly accurate in the intermediate tension regime over a broad dynamical range, without the need for additional dynamic fitting parameters.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Michael Hinczewski, Roland R. Netz
Language: English
Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes
Field: Chemical Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1518497252