Abstract
Using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics, we have studied the separation of biological ions in asymmetric nanochannels through an alternating (AC) electric field. Asymmetry of the channel and the frequency of electric field, which change the velocity distribution of ions, are the key conditions to form directed transport. The relationship between the transport velocity and the field’s frequency depends on the amplitude of electric field, the number of ions, the temperature and the type of ions. The directed transport velocity of ions tends to a stable value at a low frequency electric field. However, it cannot appear at a high frequency electric field. At a low frequency electric field, the transport velocity of sodion is larger than potassium ion, and if we add a direct current electric field into the AC electric field, the velocity of K+ ions is negative but that of Na+ ions is positive. We can separate Na+ from K+. Our results suggest a path to separate Na+ ions and K+ ions in a biological ion channel by controlling the AC electric field.
Published Version
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