Membrane- and surface-grafted polymers and proteins in shear flows: Chain mobility and transport coefficients

We consider the problem of a mobile polymer chain anchored to a surface in the presence of a shear flow. We examine the case where the surface is soli d, where it is the interface between two liquids, and where it is a membran e. Rodlike polymers and flexible polymers under good and theta conditions a re studied. We find that at low shear rates the chain speed increases linea rly with the shear rate. At higher shear rates a nonlinear relation is usua lly obtained due to chain distortion.