title: Directed translocation of a flexible polymer through a cone-shaped nano-channel.
abstract: Translocation of a flexible polymer through a cone-shaped channel is studied, theoretically and using computer simulations. Our simulations show that the shape of the channel causes the polymer translocation to be a driven process. The effective driving force of entropic origin acting on the polymer is calculated as a function of the length and the apex-angle of the channel, theoretically. It is found that the translocation time is a non-monotonic function of the apex-angle of the channel. By increasing the apex-angle from zero, the translocation time shows a minimum and then a maximum. Also, it is found that regardless of the value of the apex-angle, the translocation time is a uniformly decreasing function of the channel length. The results of the theory and the simulation are in good qualitative agreement.
authors: Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Kashan, Kashan 87317-51167, Iran.
authors: Narges
authors: N
authors: Nikoofard
authors: Hamidreza
authors: H
authors: Khalilian
authors: Hossein
authors: H
authors: Fazli
mesh_terms: D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011789:Quantum Theory
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers