Abstract
We study the influence of finite shear deformations on the microstructure and rheology of solutions of entangled semiflexible polymers theoretically and by numerical simulations and experiments with filamentous actin. Based on the tube model of semiflexible polymers, we predict that large finite shear deformations strongly affect the average tube width and curvature, thereby exciting considerable restoring stresses. In contrast, the associated shear alignment is moderate, with little impact on the average tube parameters, and thus expected to be long-lived and detectable after cessation of shear. Similarly, topologically preserved hairpin configurations are predicted to leave a long-lived fingerprint in the shape of the distributions of tube widths and curvatures. Our numerical and experimental data support the theory.
Highlights
Semiflexible polymers are fundamental structural and functional building blocks of biological matter
We extend the so-called binary-collision approximation (BCA) developed in the classical tube model of semiflexible polymers [43] to quantify the effect theoretically
To get a rough idea, how much alignment is caused by shearing an initially isotropic solution, we estimate the alignment of short, relatively straight tube segments from the affine response of a solution of rigid phantom rods [45], S(γ) ∼ 3γ/10 ( S < 1)
Summary
Semiflexible polymers are fundamental structural and functional building blocks of biological matter. Great progress has been made by studying reduced in vitro model systems that share many macroscopically observed features of the far more complex natural systems [3,4,5,6]. Their mesoscale architecture is commonly characterized by a small set of mesoscopic parameters such as mesh size, polymer bundle thickness, and crosslinker concentration [7,8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
