Dynamics of active polar ring polymers

The conformational and dynamical properties of isolated semiflexible active polar ring polymers are investigated analytically. A ring is modeled as a continuous Gaussian polymer exposed to tangential active forces. The analytical solution of the linear non-Hermitian equation of motion in terms of an eigenfunction expansion shows that ring conformations are independent of activity. In contrast, activity strongly affects the internal ring dynamics and yields characteristic time regimes, which are absent in passive rings. On intermediate timescales, flexible rings show an activity-enhanced diffusive regime, while semiflexible rings exhibit ballistic motion. Moreover, a second active time regime emerges on longer timescales, where rings display a snake-like motion, which is reminiscent to a tank-treading rotational dynamics in shear flow, dominated by the mode with the longest relaxation time.

Automated summary

Analytical investigation of isolated semiflexible active polar ring polymers reveals that activity does not affect ring conformations but strongly impacts internal dynamics, showing characteristic time regimes that are absent in passive rings. Flexible rings exhibit activity-enhanced diffusive behavior on intermediate timescales, while semiflexible rings display ballistic motion. Additionally, a second active time regime emerges on longer timescales, with rings showing snake-like motion reminiscent of tank-treading rotational dynamics in shear flow.