Fluxes of non-interacting and strongly repelling particles through a single conical channel: Analytical results and their numerical tests

One-dimensional description of driven diffusion in periodic channels

Diffusion of point-like particles driven by a constant longitudinal force in two-dimensional channels of periodically varying width is studied. The dynamics of such systems can be effectively described by the one-dimensional Smoluchowski(-Fick-Jacobs) equation in the longitudinal coordinate x, extended by a space dependent effective diffusion coefficient D(x). Our paper is focused on calculation of this function for an arbitrary channel shaping function h(x). Unlike the previous algorithms based on scaling of the transverse lengths, the method presented here uses periodicity of the channel. Instead of complicated expansion containing higher order derivatives of h(x), the proposed algorithm results in an integral formula for D(x), enabling us to study the system for wide range of the driving force and various (periodic) shaping functions h(x).

Integral formula for the effective diffusion coefficient in two-dimensional channels

The effective one-dimensional description of diffusion in two-dimensional channels of varying cross section is revisited. The effective diffusion coefficient D(x), extending Fick-Jacobs equation, depending on the longitudinal coordinate x, is derived here without use of scaling of the transverse coordinates. The result of the presented method is an integral formula for D(x), calculating its value at x as an integral of contributions from the neighboring positions x^{'} depending on h(x^{'}), a function shaping the channel. Unlike the standard formulas based on the scaling, the new proposed formula also describes D(x) correctly near the cusps, or in wider channels.

When is the next extending of Fick-Jacobs equation necessary?

Applicability of the effective one-dimensional equations, such as Fick-Jacobs equation and its extensions, describing diffusion of particles in 2D or 3D channels with varying cross section A(x) along the longitudinal coordinate x, is studied. The leading nonstationary correction to Zwanzig-Reguera-Rubí equation [R. Zwanzig, J. Phys. Chem. 96, 3926 (1992); D. Reguera and J. M. Rubí, Phys. Rev. E 64, 061106 (2001)] is derived and tested on the exactly solvable model, diffusion in a 2D linear cone. The effects of such correction are demonstrated and discussed on elementary nonstationary processes, a time dependent perturbation of the stationary flow and calculation of the mean first passage time.

Kinetics and thermodynamics of binding reactions as exemplified by anthrax toxin channel blockage with a cationic cyclodextrin derivative

The thermodynamics of binding reactions is usually studied in the framework of the linear van't Hoff analysis of the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant. The logarithm of the equilibrium constant is plotted versus inverse temperature to discriminate between two terms: an enthalpic contribution that is linear in the inverse temperature, and a temperature-independent entropic contribution. When we apply this approach to a particular case-blockage of the anthrax PA(63) channel by a multicharged cyclodextrin derivative-we obtain a nearly linear behavior with a slope that is characterized by enthalpy of about 1 kcal/mol. In contrast, from blocker partitioning between the channel and the bulk, we estimate the depth of the potential well for the blocker in the channel to be at least 8 kcal/mol. To understand this apparent discrepancy, we use a simple model of particle interaction with the channel and show that this significant difference between the two estimates is due to the temperature dependence of the physical forces between the blocker and the channel. In particular, we demonstrate that if the major component of blocker-channel interaction is van der Waals interactions and/or Coulomb forces in water, the van't Hoff enthalpy of the binding reaction may be close to zero or even negative, including cases of relatively strong binding. The results are quite general and, therefore, of importance for studies of enzymatic reactions, rational drug design, small-molecule binding to proteins, protein-protein interactions, and protein folding, among others.

Effective one-dimensional description of confined diffusion biased by a transverse gravitational force

Diffusion of pointlike noninteracting particles in a two-dimensional channel of varying cross section is considered. The particles are biased by a constant force in the transverse direction. A recurrence mapping procedure is applied, which enables the derivation of an effective one-dimensional (1D) evolution equation that governs the 1D density of the particles in the channel. In the limit of stationary flow, an extended Fick-Jacobs equation is reached, which is corrected by an effective diffusion coefficient D(x) that depends on the longitudinal coordinate x. The result is an approximate formula for D(x) that also involves the influence of the transverse force. The calculations are verified by the stationary diffusion in a linear cone, which is exactly solvable.

Communication: Turnover behavior of effective mobility in a tube with periodic entropy potential

Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we study the effective mobility and diffusion coefficient of a point particle in a tube formed from identical compartments of varying diameter, as functions of the driving force applied along the tube axis. Our primary focus is on how the driving force dependences of these transport coefficients are modified by the changes in the compartment shape. In addition to monotonically increasing or decreasing behavior of the effective mobility in periodic entropy potentials reported earlier, we now show that the effective mobility can even be nonmonotonic in the driving force.