Orientation of semiflexible biopolymers in a magnetic field

Citation
P. Das et N. Chakrabarti, Orientation of semiflexible biopolymers in a magnetic field, J POL SC PP, 38(24), 2000, pp. 3256-3270
Citations number
17
Categorie Soggetti
Organic Chemistry/Polymer Science
Journal title
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE PART B-POLYMER PHYSICS
ISSN journal
08876266 → ACNP
Volume
38
Issue
24
Year of publication
2000
Pages
3256 - 3270
Database
ISI
SICI code
0887-6266(200012)38:24<3256:OOSBIA>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
A theory is presented to explain the stretching and orientation of a semifl exible chain such as the biopolymeric filamentous actin and deoxyribonuclei c acid in a magnetic field. Both dilute and concentrated solutions are cons idered. The theory predicts the requirement of a high magnetic field to ach ieve a high degree of orientation in a dilute solution. The experimental va lue of the order parameter for a dilute, polydisperse F-actin solution has been compared with the theoretical value. On the other hand, a molecular fi eld (nematic liquid crystal) which exists in a concentrated solution can ac hieve the same effects of stretching and orientation and can be assisted by a magnetic field. Sources of diamagnetic anisotropy in biopolymers have be en cited, (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.