Particles Catalyze Filament Knotting
Published:Dec 30, 2025 03:40
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper investigates how the presence of free-moving particles in a surrounding environment can influence the spontaneous knotting of flexible filaments. The key finding is that these particles can act as kinetic catalysts, enhancing the probability and rate of knot formation, but only within an optimal range of particle size and concentration. This has implications for understanding and controlling topological complexity in various settings, from biological systems to materials science.
Key Takeaways
- •Free particles can accelerate the formation of knots in flexible filaments.
- •The effect is non-monotonic, with an optimal particle size and concentration.
- •Excess particles can hinder knotting.
- •Findings have implications for controlling filament topology in various applications.
Reference
“Free-moving particles act as kinetic catalysts for spontaneous knotting.”