  We study a solution of interacting semiflexible polymers with curvature
energy in poor-solvent conditions on the d-dimensional cubic lattice using
mean-field theory and Monte Carlo computer simulations. Building upon past
studies on a single chain, we construct a field-theory representation of the
system and solve it within a mean-field approximation supported by Monte Carlo
simulations in d=3. A gas-liquid transition is found in the temperature-density
plane that is then interpreted in terms of real systems. Interestingly, we find
this transition to be independent of the bending rigidity. Past classical
Flory-Huggins and Flory mean-field results are shown to be particular cases of
this more general framework. Perspectives in terms of guiding experimental
results towards optimal conditions are also proposed.
