M. Kellermayer - Böcker

The primary goal of this text is to explore the physical properties of polymers in confined spaces at the nanometer scale, with a particular emphasis on determining the mechanisms by which polymers are transported through narrow interstices. A variety of pore structures that polymers can penetrate have been discovered, and it is now possible to probe the dynamics of the interactions between polymers and the penetrating molecules. The experimental and theoretical advances discussed include: mechanical properties of single molecules; detection and characterization of single polymers transported through narrow ion channels; direct measurement of the energetics and dynamics of polymer transport through a pore; statistical mechanical theories for single polymer transport through a narrow pore; novel polymer separations techniques not based on cross-linked gels; and physics of polymer-protein interactions. The book also explores potential scientific and technological applications that can exploit these systems, with the aim of stimulating new research in this highly multidisciplinary field.

The primary goal of this text is to explore the physical properties of polymers in confined spaces at the nanometer scale, with a particular emphasis on determining the mechanisms by which polymers are transported through narrow interstices. A variety of pore structures that polymers can penetrate have been discovered, and it is now possible to probe the dynamics of the interactions between polymers and the penetrating molecules. The experimental and theoretical advances discussed include: mechanical properties of single molecules; detection and characterization of single polymers transported through narrow ion channels; direct measurement of the energetics and dynamics of polymer transport through a pore; statistical mechanical theories for single polymer transport through a narrow pore; novel polymer separations techniques not based on cross-linked gels; and physics of polymer-protein interactions. The book also explores potential scientific and technological applications that can exploit these systems, with the aim of stimulating new research in this highly multidisciplinary field.

Investigations in the rapidly expanding field of nanobiomechanics have produced a wealth of data providing insights into the mechanisms of elasticity of "stretchy" biomolecules. A representative cross-section of elastic biomolecules is covered in this volume, which combines 17 contributions from leading research groups. State-of-the-art molecular mechanics experiments are described dealing with the elasticity of DNA and nucleoprotein complexes, titin and titin-like proteins in muscle, as well as proteins of the cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. This book speaks particularly to cell biologists, biophysicists, or bioengineers, and to senior researchers and graduate students alike, who are interested in advances in single-molecule technology (optical tweezers technique, atomic force microscopy), EM imaging, and computer simulation approaches to study nanobiomechanics. The findings discussed here go some way to redefining our view of the role mechanical signals play in cellular functions and have greatly helped improve our understanding of biological elasticity in general.