Dynamical Behaviour of Structured Macromolecular Solutions

Abstract

A large number of experimental results have shown that macromolelcules in solution give rise to ordered (thyxotropic) structures, a noticeable role being played by a dynamic correlation. In the present paper we develop a semi-phenomenological model that can be solved analytically. The model is able to describe in a quantitative way both structural and dynamical properties of a thyxotropic solution.

A careful experimental investigation is also carried out and the experimental results are compared to the theoretical prediction. In such a way the relevant parameters implied in the structure can be evaluated. Some implications concerning energy exchanges between proteins and the thermal bath are discussed.

Key Words:

• Macromolecular solutions
• enzymatic catalysis