Partitioning of a Polymer Chain between Two Confining Cavities: The Roles of Excluded Volume and Finite Size Conduits

TL;DR

This study uses lattice-field calculations to explore how a Gaussian polymer chain behaves when confined between two fused spheres, revealing limitations in current theories especially when considering excluded volume interactions.

Contribution

It demonstrates that existing models are insufficient for describing polymer partitioning with excluded volume effects and challenges the applicability of ground state dominance in large monomer limits.

Findings

Results align with recent experiments and simulations.

Current theories are inadequate with excluded volume interactions.

Ground state dominance can fail even for large chains.

Abstract

Lattice-field calculations are performed on a Gaussian polymer chain confined to move within the region defined by two fused spheres. The results of the calculations are in accord with recent experimental measurements and computer simulations, and suggest that current theoretical understanding of polymer partitioning phenomena is not adequate when excluded volume interactions between the monomers are present. It is also shown that the notion of ground state dominance can fail even in the large monomer limit.