Modeling Knotted Topological Configurations in Confined Polymers using a Field Theoretic Approach

In this talk, I will present our work related to a new field theoretic approach for modeling knotted configurations in confined polymers. Divergences appearing due to crossings in knotted configurations are treated using invariance of the single chain partition to an arbitrary gradient term in a vector field encoding orientational interactions. Results obtained for homopolymers with free chain ends forming torus knots inside spherical cavities will be presented. Specifically, monomer density distribution along with the free energy cost for the formation of torus knots inside spherical cavities will be presented.