Salt, Sugar and Sequence: The Effect of Molecular Forces on Polymer Conformation

我们提出了一个单一的聚合物链的实验和理论研究相结合，探索它们的形状或构象，拉伸特性是如何受到特定的分子相互作用。 我们在这项研究中的工具是实验和理论：光镊，原子力显微镜，以及胶体科学的新理论，和计算机模拟。 特别是，我们将研究不同的盐和糖对聚合物（如DNA）性质的影响，以及单体序列如何在溶液中导致显着不同的结构，这反过来又会导致新材料。

We propose a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of single polymer chains, exploring how their shape or conformation, and stretching characteristics are affected by specific molecular interactions. Our tools in this study are both experimental and theoretical: optical tweezers, atomic force microscopy, as well as new theories in colloid science, and computer simulation. In particular, we will examine the effect of different salts and sugars upon the properties of polymers such as DNA, and how monomer sequence can lead to dramatically different structures in solution which in turn will lead to novel materials.