A stochastic model of polymer translocation dynamics through biomembranes

Abstract

The polymer translocation across membranes is studied as a stochastic process over a free energy barrier, where the mean first passage time is examined analytically as a measure of translocation rate. The nonequilibrium fluctuations of chemical potential difference enhance directed transport of polymers, giving rise to a resonant activation. The translocation time of a long-chain polymer is found to be very sensitive not only to the average value of chemical potential difference but also to its fluctuation.