Shiryayev A., Gunton J.D.
Lehigh University, US
Keywords: crystallization, nanoparticle, nucleation, protein
A continuum model of the self-assembly of globular protein nanoparticles proposed by Talanquer and Oxtoby (J. Chem. Phys. 109, 223 (1998)) is investigated numerically, with particular emphasis on the region near the metastable fluid-fluid coexistence curve. The free energy barrier that separates a protein rich metastable fluid phase from its stable crystalline phase is studied for a variety of nucleation pathways in the metastable region. As shown earlier, the nucleation barrier is smallest in the vicinity of the fluid-fluid critical point. An approximate analytic solution is also presented for the shape and properties of the nucleating crystal droplet.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 168 - 171
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Informatics, Modeling & Simulation
ISBN: 0-9728422-7-6