Semiflexible Polymers, 3rd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Semiflexible chains serve as a coarse-grained representation of macromolecules whenever random or self-avoiding walk statistics do not apply, i.e., when the dimensions of a macromolecule do not significantly exceed its persistence length. Semiflexibility also manifests itself when a polymer is strongly stretched or when it is confined by boundaries. Prominent systems containing semiflexible chains are various biomolecules, such as DNA and the cytoskeletal filaments (e.g., F-actin, nanotubes, and intermediate filaments), dendronized polymers, and their networks and brushes. Semiflexible chains are an integral part of polymer physics education. However, even if fundamental results have been obtained for linear semiflexible chains, the number of open issues is larger. The minimal theoretical model that acts as the classical paradigm in the field is the wormlike chain (WLC), a locally inextensible fluctuating one-dimensional curve with bending stiffness. Despite its appeal and success with long dsDNA, it is inadequate to describe the conformations and elasticity of many semiflexible systems. Electrostatic interactions, quenched or reversible inhomogeneities along the polymer contour, supramolecular structures (e.g., actin bundles and DNA nanotubes, which themselves may act as semiflexible building blocks of higher order assemblies), cross-links, helicity, and twist stiffness modify the simple uniform WLC behavior. In addition to thermal and possibly quenched disorder, semiflexible polymers in living matter also experience active noise. The polymer itself may have activity, converting chemical energy into mechanical work, or it can be passively interacting with an active environment.

This Special Issue is concerned with the statics and dynamics, simulation, and application of semiflexible polymers in the WLC framework and beyond, including linear, branched, ring, thick polymers, and their networks or gels. Topics may include polymer solution or scaling behavior, knots, entanglements, interactions, lattice and continuous representations, buckling, bond breaking, translocation, and scattering properties in both equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium situations. Papers may also address semiflexible chains subjected to flow and external stimuli or fields, semiflexible chains in composites or in biological systems, subjected to confinement, or as part of nematic or other networks. Ideally, contributions will focus on fundamental results, algorithms, mechanisms, statistical physics, and/or applications that will help to compile the current state of the art. Both original contributions and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Martin Kröger
Guest Editor

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