Mesoscopic Irreversible Thermodynamics of DNA Helical Unfolding Under Isothermal Isobaric Conditions

Introduction

Understanding how DNA and other bioproteins behave under mechanical and thermodynamic stress is essential for advancing modern biomedical science. Recent research has introduced a mesoscopic irreversible thermodynamic framework to explain the morphological evolution and unfolding kinetics of helical DNA structures under isothermal and isobaric conditions. This approach provides new insights into how stored torsional elastic energy and Gibbs free energy gradients govern DNA stability and aging processes.
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Overview of the Research Study

The study focuses on alpha-helical bioproteins, particularly DNA and αpeptides, analyzing how their structural integrity evolves over time when exposed to internal and external thermodynamic forces. By applying variational methods and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, the authors developed a nonlinear kinetic model capable of predicting unfolding trajectories and stability thresholds.

Key objectives of the study include:

• Modeling the kinetics of helical unfolding at the mesoscopic scale
• Linking entropy production with global Gibbs free energy variations
• Identifying stability, instability, and aging regimes of DNA helices

Key Findings and Scientific Insights

The research revealed several important mechanisms governing DNA helical behavior:

• Stored torsional elastic energy (3–40 eV/molecule) acts as a primary driver for unfolding
• DNA helices exhibit nonequilibrium stationary states under specific pressure and interfacial energy conditions
• Negative hydrostatic pressure and acidic environments accelerate unfolding and aging
• A critical pitch height exists where maximum torsional energy is stored, triggering instability
• The unfolding process follows predictable thermokinetic trajectories rather than random decay

These findings help bridge molecular biophysics with continuum thermodynamics, improving predictive modeling of biomolecular stability.

Thermodynamics Meets Molecular Biolog

This work reinforces the importance of thermodynamic principles in biological systems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that understanding molecular stability is fundamental for interpreting DNA damage, aging, and disease progression. By integrating irreversible thermodynamics with biological modeling, this research opens new avenues for studying protein degradation, genetic material longevity, and biomechanical responses under stress.

Why This Study Matters in Biomedical Science

The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical modeling:

• Enhances understanding of DNA aging and degradation
• Supports improved biomechanical simulations of biomolecules
• Provides insight into environmental effects such as pH and pressure on genetic material
• Contributes to biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and molecular medicine

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article hosted within the Annals of Biomedical Science and Engineering, offering a comprehensive explanation of the mathematical and physical framework behind these findings.

Access the Full Research Article

The complete study, including mathematical formulations, figures, and thermodynamic models, is available Read the full study at
https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.abse.1001008

This open-access publication ensures transparency and accessibility for researchers, clinicians, and academicians worldwide.

Explore Related Research and Resources

Readers interested in related topics may also explore:

• Biomechanics of protein unfolding
• Nonequilibrium thermodynamics in biological systems
• DNA stability under environmental stress
• Biomedical engineering models of molecular aging

Additional interdisciplinary studies and journal issues can be accessed through biomedscijournal, supporting continued exploration in biomedical science and engineering.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• DNA helical stability is governed by thermodynamic energy gradients
• Mesoscopic modeling provides predictive power for unfolding kinetics
• Environmental conditions significantly influence molecular aging
• This framework advances the intersection of physics, biology, and engineering

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