Particle transport across a channel via an oscillating potential

TL;DR

This study investigates how oscillating potentials can significantly enhance particle transport through a channel, inspired by membrane protein mechanisms, with optimal frequency boosting translocation rates by a hundredfold.

Contribution

We introduce a model of particle transport driven by an oscillating energy well, demonstrating optimal frequency tuning to maximize translocation efficiency.

Findings

Optimal oscillation frequency increases translocation rate by 100 times

Time-dependent potentials significantly influence particle transport

Potential applications in membrane transport and microfluidics

Abstract

Membrane protein transporters alternate their substrate-binding sites between the extracellular and cytosolic side of the membrane according to the alternating access mechanism. Inspired by this intriguing mechanism devised by nature, we study particle transport through a channel coupled with an energy well that oscillates its position between the two entrances of the channel. We optimize particle transport across the channel by adjusting the oscillation frequency. At the optimal oscillation frequency, the translocation rate through the channel is a hundred times higher with respect to free diffusion across the channel. Our findings reveal the effect of time dependent potentials on particle transport across a channel and will be relevant for membrane transport and microfluidics application.