On the Physical Chemistry of DNA Chips

The scope of genomic data requires parallel method of analysis to explore profiles of gene expression etc. DNA microarrays emerged as the technology of choice to this end. The talk will introduce this technique and the theoretical issues involved. In particular, the hybridization isotherms that guide the design and analysis of DNA microarrays experiments. While Langmuir type behavior is often assumed, it is necessary to allow for (i) competitive hybridization reactions at the surface and the bulk, (ii) The effect of an impenetrable surface (iii) interactions between targets.