基于分离粒子随机扩散理论的色谱模拟

为了对扩散分子的轨迹实施动态追踪与模拟, 深入理解分子扩散对色谱动力学的影响, 本文利用微尺度受限空间随机行走的模拟方法对色谱填充柱中的分子扩散过程进行了模拟. 重点考察了固定相的填充率、固定相的形状和柱长对色谱动力学行为的影响. 模拟结果表明短柱和大填充率具有较高的柱效; 在相同的密堆排列下, 固定相形状对分子扩散过程影响微弱; 待分离粒子的运动表现出微尺度空间限域的扩散特征, 但粒子的流动行为会随外部压力的增大而增加. 本论文提出的模拟方法对于发展高效能色谱, 开发新型分离技术等具有参考意义.     

基于随机扩散理论的气相色谱分离模拟

色谱分离过程中的粒子扩散问题是色谱动力学研究的基础,深入理解粒子的扩散行为对优化分离操作条件、提升色谱性能和开发新型色谱柱尤为关键.现有的模拟方法多集中于局部过程的热力学研究,而整体的扩散分离过程报道并不多见.为此,该文基于微尺度受限空间内随机扩散的方法,通过动态追踪粒子的运动轨迹,实现粒子在气相色谱开管柱内的扩散全过...     

不对称势垒体系中分子分离的随机行走模拟

利用微尺度受限空间随机行走方法模拟了分子的扩散过程.研究表明,扩散系数越大,粒子越显著地偏离驱动速度的方向;通过选择合适的驱动速度,调控不同组分偏离驱动方向的概率差,从而达到更理想的分离效果.此外,讨论了分子运动的随机分布特征对分析样品带展宽效应的影响.     

芳香类化合物在ITQ-1分子筛中吸附特性的蒙特卡罗模拟

用巨正则统计系综蒙特卡罗模拟研究了苯、甲苯以及间二甲苯分子在ITQ-1分子筛中的吸附特性.从这3种分子的粒子分布云图上,可发现分子的扩散和吸附主要在十二元环超笼内发生,在十元环通道内的吸附和扩散则相对较难.从一系列不同压力下的蒙特卡罗模拟还预测了3种分子的吸附等温线,预测结果与实验结果相符.这3种分子在一定压力下,都可通过十元环通道或连接十二元环超笼的十元环窗口到达分子筛孔道内部,达到较好的吸附平衡状态.     

基于随机行走扩散模型的气相色谱分离模拟

利用粒子在受限空间内随机行走的扩散理论,构建了气相色谱毛细管柱分离的仿真模型,系统地考察了各模拟参数对粒子在色谱柱内的碰撞情况和峰宽的影响。模拟结果表明随机速度和时间步长的增加以及载气流速的降低均会加剧粒子碰撞和色谱峰展宽,而相互作用虽与碰撞行为无关,但峰宽会随着相互作用的增加而显著增大。模拟结果证实了该模型与色谱基本理论的一致性。     

分子在纯硅β分子筛内扩散的随机行走模型

建立了一个β分子筛上分子扩散的模型. 该模型中, 分子在β分子筛中运动是在不同吸附点位上作无规行走. β孔道的拓扑结构和在两种孔道吸附位上不同的跃迁几率导致分子沿两个主轴方向扩散, 扩散系数存在一个关联关系; 分子动力学对不同温度下苯分子在β分子筛上扩散模拟证实了这一关联关系. 氩原子在不同作用半径下的动力学模拟表明, 分子作用半径大小是满足随机行走假设的重要条件, 即该模型要求扩散分子作用半径足够大, 与分子筛孔径相近.     

纳米粒子交联类玻璃高分子材料的动力学行为和流变行为研究

研究了纳米粒子动态交联端羧基聚丁二烯的动力学行为.除了利用传统的熔融重塑以及应力松弛行为来研究其动态行为和可加工性,着重通过线性和非线性动态流变学,研究揭示了粒子交联类玻璃高分子材料与分子交联类玻璃高分子、粒子填充高分子复合材料的差异.与分子交联体系相比,粒子交联体系末端区的松弛主要来源于粒子的扩散运动,可逆共价网络对模量的贡献较弱,但减慢了粒子扩散的速度.与粒子填充体系相比,在粒子交联体系中,粒子需要在动态共价键解离之后才能从粒子笼中逃出.     

纳通道的物质传输特性及应用

近年来,随着材料科学、微纳加工技术和微纳尺度物质传输理论的发展,纳通道技术得到了越来越多的研究和关注。纳通道包括生物纳通道和人工纳通道,其孔径通常为1~100 nm。在这一尺度下,通道表面与通道内物质之间的作用概率大大增强,使得纳通道表现出许多与宏观体系不同的物质传输特性,例如通道表面电荷与通道内离子之间的静电作用产生了离子选择性,通道内电化学势的不对称分布产生了离子整流特性,物质传输过程中占据通道产生了阻塞脉冲特性等。纳通道中的这些物质传输特性在传感、分离、能源等领域具有广泛应用,例如通过对纳通道进行功能化修饰可以实现门控离子传输;利用亚纳米尺度的通道可以实现单分子传感;利用通道与传输物质之间的相互作用可以实现离子、分子、纳米粒子的分离;利用纳通道的离子选择性可以在通道内实现电荷分离,将不同形式的能量（如光、热、压力、盐差等）高效转化为电能。纳通道技术是化学、材料科学、纳米技术等多学科的交叉集合,在解决生物、环境、能源等基本问题方面具有良好的前景。该文综述了近10年来与纳通道物质传输理论以及纳通道技术应用相关的前沿研究,梳理了纳通道技术的发展过程,并对其在各个领域的应用进行了总结与展望。     

温度对半胱氨酸缓蚀性能影响的实验评价与机理研究

通过实验对不同温度条件下半胱氨酸抑制盐酸对碳钢腐蚀的性能进行评价, 并采用分子动力学模拟(Molecular Dynamics Simulation, 简称MD)方法, 从缓蚀剂膜抑制腐蚀粒子扩散的角度对其缓蚀机理进行深入研究. 静态失重实验显示: 随温度的升高(25～65 ℃), 半胱氨酸缓蚀剂的缓蚀效率呈逐渐下降趋势, 其数值从88.36%降至61.64%. MD模拟发现: 随温度升高, 半胱氨酸缓蚀剂膜的自由体积逐渐增大, 且腐蚀粒子与缓蚀剂膜的相互作用也逐渐减弱, 更有利于腐蚀粒子在膜中的主动扩散; 同时膜内半胱氨酸分子的自扩散能力也随温度升高而增强, 腐蚀粒子在缓蚀剂膜携带下被动迁移的过程也随之加剧. 主动扩散和被动迁移两方面的变化表明, 腐蚀粒子在缓蚀剂膜中扩散能力随温度升高而增大; 也就是说, 随温度升高, 半胱氨酸缓蚀剂膜对腐蚀粒子的扩散抑制能力逐渐降低, 腐蚀粒子更易扩散运移至金属表面, 导致半胱氨酸缓蚀剂缓蚀效率的降低.     

多巴胺在POPC磷脂双层膜中扩散和透过过程的分子动力学模拟

多巴胺作为脑组织内一种重要的神经递质在细胞膜内外需要做合适的迁移,发挥其功能.多巴胺在细胞膜中扩散和透过过程的分子动力学涉及到多巴胺分子保护通道的畅通,与精神分裂症等病症有关.本文采用1-棕榈酰-2-油酰-卵磷脂(POPC)双层膜模拟细胞膜,通过分子动力学模拟获得多巴胺分子在细胞膜中和透过细胞膜运动自由能变化,探讨多巴胺在细胞膜中扩散和透过过程的分子动力学.多巴胺分子在POPC磷脂双层膜中间层做扩散运动的自由能变化为10-54 kJ mol-1(310 K),显示多巴胺分子在细胞膜中间层很容易横向和纵向扩散,保持多巴胺保护通道的畅通.多巴胺分子不容易透过POPC磷脂双层膜,因为透过过程自由能能垒为117-125 kJ mol-1(310 K).因此,人脑组织神经细胞里生产的多巴胺分子可以储藏在生物细胞膜空间.而过量的多巴胺则可以通过保护通道进入磷脂双层膜结构中间,做横向和纵向扩散运动,并且透过细胞膜,避免精神分裂症的发生.生物细胞膜的正常功能对于保持多巴胺保护通道的畅通和避免精神分裂症的出现都是重要的.研究结果与其它实验观察和结果相一致.     

Theoretical simulation of chromatographic separation based on random diffusion in the restricted space

The diffusion behavior of particles in the chromatography is a fundamental issue of chromatographic dynamics. The understanding of the diffusion behaviors is particularly critical to optimize the operation conditions, improve the chromatographic performance and design a new separation device. Many of the present simulations focus on chromatographic thermodynamics, and very few aim at the overall diffusion and separation process. In order to dynamically trace the trajectory of the diffusing particles and to perform simulations of the whole chromatographic process, we have developed a model based on the framework of random walk in the restricted space and performed the simulation of a single particle diffusion in the gas chromatography. The simulation parameters were determined by comparing with the experimental data. The elution profiles of n-alkanes under different flow rates were accurately simulated with the method. The results show that the relative difference between the measures and the simulations are less than 2% and 10% for the retention time and the peak width, respectively. The simulation method shows great significance for the optimization of separation conditions and the development of novel technologies of chromatographic separation.     

A single-channel microparticle sieve based on Brownian ratchets

We present a novel device for the separation of microparticles in a single channel, which is made of inversely asymmetric Brownian ratchets. It enables separation into two different fractions with an adjustable threshold and can be modeled with good agreement. This device serves as proof of concept for an extremely compact class of microsieves.     

Robustness of multidimensional Brownian ratchets as directed transport mechanisms

Brownian ratchets have recently been considered as models to describe the ability of certain systems to locate very specific states in multidimensional configuration spaces. This directional process has particularly been proposed as an alternative explanation for the protein folding problem, in which the polypeptide is driven toward the native state by a multidimensional Brownian ratchet. Recognizing the relevance of robustness in biological systems, in this work we analyze such a property of Brownian ratchets by pushing to the limits all the properties considered essential to produce directed transport. Based on the results presented here, we can state that Brownian ratchets are able to deliver current and locate funnel structures under a wide range of conditions. As a result, they represent a simple model that solves the Levinthal's paradox with great robustness and flexibility and without requiring any ad hoc biased transition probability. The behavior of Brownian ratchets shown in this article considerably enhances the plausibility of the model for at least part of the structural mechanism behind protein folding process.     

Multiplexing superparamagnetic beads driven by multi-frequency ratchets

Here, we explore the single particle dynamics of superparamagnetic beads exposed to multifrequency ratchets. Through a combination of theory, simulation, and experiment, we determine the important tuning parameters that can be used to implement multiplexed separation of polydisperse colloidal mixtures. In particular, our results demonstrate that the ratio of driving frequencies controls the transition between open and closed trajectories that allow particles to be transported across a substrate. We also demonstrate that the phase difference between the two frequencies controls not only the direction of motion but also which particles are allowed to move within a polydisperse mixture. These results represent a fundamentally different approach to colloidal separation than the previous methods which are based on controlling transitions between phase-locked and phase-slipping regimes, and have a higher degree of multiplexing capabilities that can benefit the fields of biological separation and sensing as well as provide crucial insights into general ratchet behavior.     

Tracer diffusion in colloidal suspensions under dilute and crowded conditions with hydrodynamic interactions

We consider tracer diffusion in colloidal suspensions under solid loading conditions, where hydrodynamic interactions play an important role. To this end, we carry out computer simulations based on the hybrid stochastic rotation dynamics-molecular dynamics (SRD-MD) technique. Many details of the simulation method are discussed in detail. In particular, our choices for the SRD-MD parameters and for the different scales are adapted to simulating colloidal suspensions under realistic conditions. Our simulation data are compared with published theoretical, experimental and numerical results and compared to Brownian dynamics simulation data. We demonstrate that our SRD-MD simulations reproduce many features of the hydrodynamics in colloidal fluids under finite loading. In particular, finite-size effects and the diffusive behavior of colloids for a range of volume fractions of the suspension show that hydrodynamic interactions are correctly included within the SRD-MD technique.     

Molecular simulations of solute transport in xylose isomerase crystals

Cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLECs) enclose an extensive regular matrix of chiral solvent-filled nanopores, via which ions and solutes travel in and out. Several cross-linked enzyme crystals have recently been used for chiral separation and as biocatalysts. We studied the dynamics of solute transport in orthorhombic d-xylose isomerase (XI) crystals by means of Brownian dynamics (BD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which show how the protein residues influence the dynamics of solute molecules in confined regions inside the lattice. In the BD simulations, coarse-grained beads represent solutes of different sizes. The diffusion of S-phenylglycine molecules inside XI crystals is investigated by long-time MD simulations. The computed diffusion coefficients within a crystal are found to be orders of magnitude lower than in bulk water. The simulation results are compared to the recent experimental studies of diffusion and reaction inside XI crystals. The insights obtained from simulations allow us to understand the nature of solute-protein interactions and transport phenomena in CLECs, which is useful for the design of novel nanoporous biocatalysts and bioseparations based on CLECs.     

Simultaneous investigation of sedimentation and diffusion of a single colloidal particle near an interface

We describe here a new procedure for the simultaneous investigation of sedimentation and diffusion of a colloidal particle in close proximity to a solid, planar wall. The measurements were made using the optical technique of total internal reflection microscopy, coupled with optical radiation pressure, for dimensionless separation distances (gap width/radius of particle) ranging from 0.01 to 0.05. In this region, the hydrodynamic mobility and diffusion coefficient are substantially reduced below bulk values. The procedure involved measuring the mean and the variance of vertical displacements of a Brownian particle settling under gravity toward the plate. The spatially varying diffusion coefficient was calculated from the displacements at small times (where diffusive motion was dominant). The mobility relationship for motion normal to a flat plate was tested by measuring the average distance of travel versus time as the particle settled under the constant force of gravity. For the simple Newtonian fluid used here (aqueous salt solution), the magnitude of the diffusion coefficient and mobility, plus their dependence on separation distance, showed excellent agreement with predictions. This new technique could be of great value in measuring the mobility and diffusion coefficient for near-contact motion in more complex fluids for which the hydrodynamic correction factors are not known a priori, such as shear-thinning fluids.