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MiS Preprint
45/2010
Self-consistent-field theory investigation of behavior of hyaluronic acid chains in aqueous salt solution
Evgeny Nogovitsyn and Yurij Budkov
Abstract
In this work we develop a field-theoretic methodology, which combines the concept of Gaussian equivalent representation for functional integrals with the continuous Gaussian thread model of flexible polymers for solving statistical-mechanical problems of polyelectrolyte solutions. We demonstrate the applicability of the method for systems of polyelectrolyte chains where the monomers interact via Yukawa-type pair potential. We develop the corresponding formulas and employ them to calculate structural and thermodynamic quantities of the polyelectrolyte system. As a specific example, the present work focuses on the aqueous solution of hyaluronic acid with added salts $NaCl$ and $CaCl_{2}$.
Hyaluronic acid is a high molecular weight linear polysaccharide, which has a multitude of roles in biological tissues. We conclude that the effect of sodium chloride and calcium chloride on the osmotic properties of hyaluronic acid solutions can be accounted for by their contributions to the ionic strength. Nevertheless, the effects of coiling and self-association can be stimulated in solution by added salt.
