An energetic model for macromolecules unraveling

Abstract

We propose a simple approach, based on the minimization of the total (entropic plus unfolding) energy of a two-state system, describing the stretch-induced unfolding of macromolecules (proteins, silks, nanopolymers, DNA/RNA). The model is fully analytical and enlightens the role of the different energetic components regulating the unfolding evolution. As an explicit example of application we compare the analytical results with the titin Atomic Force Microscopy experiments showing the ability of the model to quantitatively reproduce the mechanical behavior of macromolecules unfolding.