Investigating the interaction of stretched, immobilized polyelectrolytes with external electric fields and fluid flows in presence of confined micro-geometries

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Steffen Hardt; Professor Dr. Christian Holm
• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers ; Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2012 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 234079989

We experimentally and theoretically investigate the behavior of an immobilized polyelectrolyte chain subject to various external fields in presence of a confined micro-geometry. We want to elucidate the stretching behavior of a DNA chain in alternating electric fields as a function of frequency and further parameters. The chain will be subsequently exposed to an external fluid flow, and we will compute the force necessary to detach the DNA from the electrode. In addition we will focus on the conformational and dynamic properties of polyelectrolytes in confined microgeometries. The influence of several external conditions like pressure driven- and electrokinetic flows, the channel diameter as well as the behavior of the free ions will be investigated in detail. By a thorough analysis of these effects which alter the dynamics and conformations of polyelectrolytes in micro- and nanogeometries significantly, a deeper understanding of the underlying processes and potential novel separation techniques will be achieved.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Dr. Jens Smiatek