Dynamics of Polyelectrolyte Transport through a Protein Channel as a Function of Applied Voltage

Abstract

We study the transport of dextran sulfate through a protein channel as a function of applied voltage. Below 60 mV, the chain's entrance to the pore is hindered by an entropic barrier; above 60 mV, the strong local electric field forces the chain entrance. The effective charge of the polyelectrolyte inside the pore is reduced. We observe two types of blockades which have durations that decrease when the applied voltage increases. The shortest is a straddling time between the polyelectrolyte and the pore; the longest is the translocation time. The translocation time obeys an exponential dependence upon applied voltage.