Translational and rotational dynamics of colloidal particles interacting through reacting linkers

Abstract

Much work has studied effective interactions between micron-sized particles carrying linkers forming reversible, interparticle linkages. These studies allowed understanding the equilibrium properties of colloids interacting through ligand-receptor interactions. Nevertheless, understanding the kinetics of multivalent interactions remains an open problem. Here, we study how molecular details of the linkers, such as the reaction rates at which interparticle linkages form or break, affect the relative dynamics of pairs of cross-linked colloids. Using a simulation method tracking single binding and unbinding events between complementary linkers, we rationalize recent experiments and prove that particles' interfaces can move across each other while being cross-linked. We clarify how, starting from diffusing colloids, the dynamics become arrested when increasing the number of interparticle linkages or decreasing the reaction rates. Before getting arrested, particles diffuse through rolling motion. The ability to detect rolling motion will be useful to shed new light on host-pathogen interactions.