Conformation and dynamics of partially active linear polymers

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to explore how the position and size of active segments in partially active polymers influence their shape and movement, revealing controllable diffusion properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the conformational and dynamical behavior of partially active polymers can be tuned by the placement of active monomers, a novel insight for active matter modeling.

Findings

Diffusion coefficient varies with active block position.

Active block placement controls polymer conformation.

Diffusion can be enhanced by decreasing overall activity.

Abstract

We perform numerical simulations of isolated, partially active polymers, driven out-of-equilibrium by a fraction of their monomers. We show that, if the active beads are all gathered in a contiguous block, the position of the section along the chain determines the conformational and dynamical properties of the system. Notably, one can modulate the diffusion coefficient of the polymer from {active-like to passive-like} just by changing the position of the active block. Further, in special cases, enhancement of diffusion can be achieved by decreasing the overall polymer activity. Our findings may help in the modelization of active biophysical systems, such as filamentous bacteria or worms.