Asymmetric bridging of interconnected pores by encased semiflexible macromolecules

An increase of chain rigidity of macromolecule encased in interconnected cavities leads to bridging conformational transition in which polymer molecule at certain conditions spans the cavities. This is a similar phenomenon to that described for flexible chains on increase of confinement. Chain stiffness introduces, however, a delicate effect of interplay between confinement, chain stiffness, and concentration that leads to a breakup of symmetric bridging conformation to a striking asymmetric conformation even in the symmetric system of cavities. We provide the first data on this transition with complex translocation landscape and offer a tentative explanation. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.