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Theory of dilute polyampholyte solutions in external electrical fields
Author(s) -
Schiessel Helmut,
Blumen Alexander
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
macromolecular theory and simulations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-3919
pISSN - 1022-1344
DOI - 10.1002/mats.1997.040060108
Subject(s) - coupling (piping) , scaling , limit (mathematics) , gaussian , statistical physics , instability , chemical physics , charge (physics) , work (physics) , polymer , physics , chemistry , thermodynamics , materials science , quantum mechanics , nuclear magnetic resonance , mathematics , mathematical analysis , geometry , metallurgy
In this work we display recent findings on the conformations and dynamics of polyampholytes (PAs; polymers with positively and negatively charged monomers) in external electrical fields. We consider the case in which the interactions between the charges are less important (weak coupling limit) and also the case in which they are fundamental (strong coupling case). In the weak coupling limit we present analytical results for Gaussian and also for freely‐jointed chains. Through scaling arguments we discuss the influence of the excluded volume on the PA's configurations. Furthermore we evaluate the dynamics of PAs in the framework of the Rouse and of the Zimm models. In the strong‐coupling regime PAs with vanishing total charge form spherical globules. Using a droplet analogy we examine the response of PAs to external fields and show the onset of an instability reminiscent of a first‐order phase transition.