The mean-field theory for attraction between like-charged macromolecules

TL;DR

This paper develops a mean-field theoretical framework that accurately predicts attractive interactions between like-charged macromolecules, challenging previous assumptions of purely repulsive forces.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mean-field approach based on Gibbs-Bogoliubov inequality that quantitatively explains attraction between like-charged polyions.

Findings

Mean-field theory can account for attraction between like-charged rods.

The approach challenges the paradigm of purely repulsive electrostatic interactions.

Quantitative agreement with observed attractions is achieved.

Abstract

A mean-field theory based on Gibbs-Bogoliubov inequality is constructed to study the interactions between two like-charged polyions. It is shown that contrary to the previously established paradigm, a properly constructed mean-field theory can quantitatively account for the attractive interactions between two like-charged rods.