Mesoscopic nonequilibrium thermodynamics of single macromolecules and dynamic entropy-energy compensation

We introduce axiomatically a complete thermodynamic formalism for a single macromolecule, either with or without detailed balance, in an isothermal ambient fluid based on its stochastic dynamics. With detailed balance, the theory yields mesoscopic, nonequilibrium for entropy (Υ_t) and free energy (Ψ_t) of the macromolecule. Υ_t and Ψ_t fluctuate. Expectation (d/dt)E[Ψ_t]<~0, “=”holds if and only if the macromolecule is at thermal equilibrium, in which we show that Υ_t still fluctuates but Ψ_t is a constant. The entropy fluctuation of Landau, E[(ΔΥ_t)²], precisely matches the fluctuation in the internal energy, which in turn equals the fluctuation in heat dissipation. As a generalization of Clausius’ classic result, the dynamic fluctuations in the entropy and energy of the macromolecule are exactly compensated at thermal equilibrium. For systems with detailed balance, Helmholtz free energy is shown to be the potential of Onsager’s thermodynamic force.