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Using molecular dynamics simulations, we studied the influence of methyl chain branching on transmembrane potential induced formation of water channels in lipid bilayers and ion transport. We compared the response of a bilayer lipid that has multiple methyl branches diphytanoylphosphatidylcholine (DPhPC) with its straight-chain counterpart dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) to a transmembrane potential created by an imbalance in ionic charges across the membrane. We found that, compared to the straight-chain DPPC lipid bilayer membranes, branched DPhPC lipid membranes require a higher critical transmembrane potential to break down, followed by water channel formation, and transport of anions and cations through the pore. We demonstrated that the bulkiness of the added methyl branches leads to “barrel-stave” pores in DPhPC membranes which require a higher transmembrane potential to produce than the toroidal pores produced in the straight chain DPPC lipid bilayers. Our results provided a deeper understanding of the water channel formation and ion transport through lipid bilayer membrane and might help explain the increased resistance to charge-induced poration in organisms with membranes abundant in branched lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA stretching in entangling media with oscillating electric fields is useful in DNA sequencing. We propose that stretching occurs around hairpin loops at the chain ends, caused by interactions with the medium. Brownian dynamics simulations show that this mechanism explains several experimental observations, including a resonance with varying field frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA stretching in entangling media with oscillating electric fields is useful in DNA sequencing. We propose that stretching occurs around hairpin loops at the chain ends, caused by interactions with the medium. Brownian dynamics simulations show that this mechanism explains several experimental observations, including a resonance with varying field frequency.

We systematically investigate droplet movement, coalescence, and splitting on an open hydrophobic surface. These processes are actuated by magnetic beads internalized in an oil-coated aqueous droplet using an external magnet. Results are organized into an 'operating diagram' that describes regions of droplet stable motion, breakage, and release from the magnet. The results are explained theoretically with a simple model that balances magnetic, friction, and capillary-induced drag forces and includes the effects of particle type, droplet size, surrounding oil layer, surface tension, and viscosity. Finally, we discuss the implications of the results for the design of magnet-actuated droplet systems for applications such as nucleic acid purification, immunoassay and drug delivery.