Journal Article

PreJuSER-23195

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Polyelectrolyte Adsorption onto Oppositely Charged Interaces: Image-Charge Repulsion and Surface Curvature

Cherstvy, A. G.FZJ* ; Winkler, R. G.FZJ*

2012
Soc. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/jp304980e

Abstract: We analyze theoretically the influence of low-dielectric boundaries on the adsorption of flexible polyelectrolytes onto planar and spherical oppositely charged surfaces in electrolyte solutions. We rationalize to what extent polymer chains are depleted from adsorbing interfaces by repulsive image forces. We employ the WKB (Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin) quantum mechanical method for the Green function of the Edwards equation to determine the adsorption equilibrium. Scaling relations are determined for the critical adsorption strength required to initiate polymer adsorption onto these low-dielectric supports. Image-force repulsion shifts the equilibrium toward the desorbed state, demanding larger surface charge densities and polyelectrolyte linear charge densities for the adsorption to take place. The effect is particularly pronounced for a planar interface in a low-salt regime, where a dramatic change in the scaling behavior for the adsorption-desorption transition is predicted. For the adsorbed state, polymers with higher charge densities are displaced further from the interface by image-charge repulsions. We discuss relevant experimental evidence and argue about possible biological applications of the results.

Keyword(s): J

Note: The work was supported by the German Research Foundation, DFG grant CH 707/5-1 to A.G.C. Enlightening discussions with P. Dubin are acknowledged.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Theorie der weichen Materie und Biophysik (ICS-2)
2. Theorie der Weichen Materie und Biophysik (IAS-2)

Research Program(s):

1. BioSoft: Makromolekulare Systeme und biologische Informationsverarbeitung (P45)

Appears in the scientific report 2012

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Database coverage:
; Current Contents - Social and Behavioral Sciences ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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