From the double-stranded helix to the chiral nematic phase of B-DNA: a molecular model

B-DNA solutions of suitable concentration form left-handed chiral nematic phases (cholesterics). Such phases have also been observed in solutions of other stiff or semiflexible chiral polymers; magnitude and handedness of the cholesteric pitch are uniquely related to the molecular features. In this work we present a theoretical method and a numerical procedure which, starting from the structure of polyelectrolytes, lead to the prediction of the cholesteric pitch. Molecular expressions for the free energy of the system are obtained on the basis of steric and electrostatic interactions between polymers; the former are described in terms of excluded volume, while a mean field approximation is used for the latter. Calculations have been performed for 130 base pair fragments of B-DNA. The theoretical predictions provide an explanation for the experimental behavior, by showing the counteracting role played by shape and charge chirality of the molecule.