Dynamics of Polymer Translocation across Nanopores

The transfer of DNA, RNA and proteins through cell membranes is fundamental to the understanding of multiple biological processes. The transport of linear polymer molecules across the nanopores is also important in many chemical and industrial processes. However, our theoretical understanding of these complex phenomena is still very limited. Experiments suggest that the dynamics of translocation strongly depends on the size, flexibility, and chemical and electrostatic interactions between the polymers and the pores. We are developing theoretical models which explicitly take into account these properties.