Translational and Rotational Dynamics of Colloidal Particles Interacting through Reacting Linkers

Abstract

Much work has studied effective interactions between micron-sized particles carrying linkers forming reversible, inter-particle linkages. These studies allowed understanding the equilibrium properties of colloids interacting through ligand-receptor interactions. Nevertheless, understanding the kinetics of multivalent interactions remains an open problem. Here, we study how molecular details of the linkers, such as the reaction rates at which inter-particle linkages form/break, affect the relative dynamics of pairs of cross-linked colloids. Using a simulation method tracking single binding/unbinding events between complementary linkers, we rationalize recent experiments and prove that particles' interfaces can move across each other while being cross-linked. We clarify how, starting from diffusing colloids, the dynamics become arrested when increasing the number of inter-particle linkages or decreasing the reaction rates. Before getting arrested, particles diffuse through rolling motion. The ability to detect rolling motion will be useful to shed new light on host-pathogen interactions.

v2: version accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. E; v3: two typos in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 fixed