Non-monotonous polymer translocation time across corrugated channels: comparison between Fick-Jacobs approximation and numerical simulations

Abstract

We study the translocation of polymers across varying-section channels. Using systematic approximations, we derive a simplified model that reduces the problem of polymer translocation through varying-section channels to that of a point-like particle under the action of an effective potential. Such a model allows us to identify the relevant parameters controlling the polymers dynamics and, in particular, their translocation time. By comparing our analytical results with numerical simulations we show that, under suitable conditions, our model provides reliable predictions of the dynamics of both Gaussian and self-avoiding polymers, in two- and three-dimensional confinement. Moreover, both theoretical predictions, as well Brownian dynamic results, show a non-monotonous dependence of polymer translocation velocity as a function of polymer size, a feature that can be exploited for polymer separation.

References in corpus (12)

• Biased diffusion in confined media: Test of the Fick-Jacobs approximation and validity criteria
• Entropic Stochastic Resonance
• Entropic particle transport: higher order corrections to the Fick-Jacobs diffusion equation
• Confinement-driven translocation of a flexible polymer
• Entropic electrokinetics: recirculation, particle separation and negative mobility
• Confined Brownian ratchets
• Entropically-induced asymmetric passage times of charged tracers across corrugated channels
• Optimizing the Performance of the Entropic Splitter for Particle Separation
• Translocation through environments with time dependent mobility
• On the size and shape of excluded volume polymers confined between parallel plates
• Easier sieving through narrower pores: fluctuations and barrier crossing in flow-driven polymer translocation
• Working under confinement

Cited by in corpus (13)

• Model microswimmers in channels with varying cross section
• Thermal ratchet effect in confining geometries
• Diffusion of large particles through small pores: from entropic to enthalpic transport
• Nonmonotonic dependence of polymer glass mechanical response on chain bending stiffness
• Rectification and non-Gaussian diffusion in heterogeneous media
• Active microrheology in corrugated channels
• Nonlocal statistical field theory of dipolar particles forming chain-like clusters
• Antiresonant driven systems for particle manipulation
• Field-driven tracer diffusion through curved bottlenecks: Fine structure of first passage events
• Non-monotonous translocation time of polymers across pores
• Turning catalytically active pores into active pumps
• Splitting probabilities for dynamics in corrugated channels: passive VS active Brownian motion
• Local pressure for confined systems