Topological Interactions in Ring Polymers

• Κύριος συγγραφέας: Michieletto, Davide (Συγγραφέας)
• Συγγραφή απο Οργανισμό/Αρχή: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Μορφή: Ηλεκτρονική πηγή Ηλ. βιβλίο
• Γλώσσα: English
• Έκδοση: Cham : Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2016.
• Σειρά: Springer Theses, Recognizing Outstanding Ph.D. Research,
• Θέματα: Physics.; Polymers.; Biomathematics.; Amorphous substances.; Complex fluids.; Biophysics.; Biological physics.; Statistical physics.; Dynamical systems.; Soft and Granular Matter, Complex Fluids and Microfluidics.; Polymer Sciences.; Biophysics and Biological Physics.; Mathematical and Computational Biology.; Statistical Physics, Dynamical Systems and Complexity.

 Ring polymers are one of the last big mysteries in polymer physics, and this thesis tackles the problem of describing their behaviour when interacting in dense solutions and with complex environments and reports key findings that help shed light on these complex issues. The systems investigated are not restricted to artificial polymer systems, but also cover biologically inspired ensembles, contributing to the broad applicability and interest of the conclusions reached. One of the most remarkable findings is the unambiguous evidence that rings inter-penetrate when in dense solutions; here this behaviour is shown to lead to the emergence of a glassy state solely driven by the topology of the constituents. This novel glassy state is unconventional in its nature and, thanks to its universal properties inherited from polymer physics, will attract the attention of a wide range of physicists in the years to come. . 

 Introduction -- Predicting the Behaviour of Rings in Solution -- Molecular Dynamics Models -- Threading Rings -- A Biophysical Model for the Kinetoplast DNA -- The Role of Topology in DNA Gel Electrophoresis -- Conclusions. .