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Topology-Controlled Microphase Separation and Interconversion of Twist and Writhe Domains in Supercoiled Annealed Polyelectrolytes

Roman Staňo1,2,*, Christos N. Likos1, Davide Michieletto3,4, and Jan Smrek1

  • *Contact author: roman.stano@univie.ac.at
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 048101 – Published 23 July, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/7fh5-frst

Abstract

In closed circular ribbonlike polymers such as deoxyribonucleic acid, twist and writhe are known to be largely determined by the polymer’s bending and torsional rigidities, and they must sum to a topological constant. Using molecular simulations and an analytically solvable Landau theory, we study the interplay between ribbon topology and chemically annealed charges in a model polyelectrolyte. We show that the repulsions between like-charged acidic sites trigger phase separation and coexistence of supercoiling domains, in turn unveiling a complex phase diagram and providing a route to control the properties of deoxyribonucleic acid-based materials.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 048101– Published 23 July, 2025
  • Received 14 November 2024
  • Revised 16 June 2025
  • Accepted 30 June 2025
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