In this presentation we will discuss recent advances in the theoretical description of soft materials that are responsive to changes in the environment, such as pH, ionic strength or the application of external fields. One of the systems that we will describe are nanogels formed by block copolymers of polyacid and hydrophobic blocks and the structural changes that occur upon variation in the pH and quality of solvent. The second system will be weak polyelectrolytes grafted on the surfaces of nanopores in the presence of small and large external electrostatic potentials. We will describe the coupling that exists between molecular organization and transport of ions through the pore, with a special emphasis on non-omhic behavior and the role of pH. The relationship between these systems and biological Nuclear Pore Complex will be discussed.

Responsive soft materials in confined environments in the presence of external fields

245th National Meeting (2013)

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