Functional properties of biosensors and structure and hybridization of nucleic acids

The proposed project aims theoretical investigation of nucleic acids' hybridization and secondary structure formation on the surface of nucleic acids based sensors using the methods of statistical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and computer simulation. The important equilibrium features will be studied. The pure analytical studies will be aided by numerical computations. Our specific goals are to develop a theory describing the features of nucleic acids on the surface of sensors and to formulate recommendations for the optimal the functioning of the nucleic acid-based sensors.