Theory of Anomalous Diffusion Dynamics in Biomacromolecular Media

Diffusion behavior in life system involves important life processes such as nutrient uptake and drug delivery. A deeper understanding about diffusive behavior of particles in complex biomacromolecular media will facilitate the understanding of relevant life phenomena as well as the development of novel medical materials. The diffusion behavior in biomacromolecular media is often anomalous and cannot be described simply based on the conventional diffusion constant equation. This is usually attributed to the continuous correlation of diffusion caused by crowded environment and complex interactions in biological medium, which leads to the central limit theorem no longer applicable. The mechanism and physical characteristics of anomalous diffusion were analyzed from three aspects: diffusion coefficient, mean square displacement, and displacement probability distribution function. The recent progress of anomalous diffusion in biomacromolecular media was summarized. The physical model and existing theoretical framework of anomalous diffusion are then outlined. Finally, the future direction of anomalous diffusion dynamics in biomacromolecular media is discussed.