Dynamics of collapse of flexible polyampholytes

Abstract

We provide a theory for the dynamics of collapse of flexible polyampholytes (PAs) using Langevin equation. Metastable pearl-necklace structures form in a time scale proportional to N4/5 (N is the number of monomers). In the late stage of collapse the pearls merge with the largest one growing at the expense of smaller ones (Lifshitz–Slyozov mechanism). The time scale for this process is τcoll∼N. Counterion-mediated collapse of strongly charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) follow a similar route to the globular state. Simulations support the proposed collapse mechanism for PAs and PEs.