Review: Dynamics of Crowded Macromolecules/Interacting Brownian Particles

TL;DR

This review summarizes classical theoretical models of diffusion in crowded macromolecular solutions, comparing them with experimental results from various spectroscopic techniques to understand macromolecular interactions and dynamics.

Contribution

It compiles and discusses pre-1990 classical models of diffusion in crowded solutions, highlighting their relevance and comparison with experimental data.

Findings

Correlation functions align with experimental measurements

Generalized Langevin equations describe macromolecular motion

Theoretical models provide insights into crowded solution dynamics

Abstract

I review theoretical treatments of diffusion in crowded (i.~e., non-dilute) solutions of globular macromolecules. The focus is on the classical statistico-mechanical literature, much of which dates to before 1990. Classes of theoretical models include continuum treatments, correlation function descriptions, generalized Langevin equation descriptions, Smoluchowski and Mori-Zwanzig descriptions, and a brief but encouraging comparison with experimental results. The primary emphasis is on measurements made with quasi-elastic light scattering spectroscopy; I also discuss outcomes from fluorescence photobleaching recovery, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, pulsed-gradient spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance, and raster image correlation spectroscopy. I close with a list of theoretical papers on the general topic.