Contributions & Outcomes

In my research, I made significant contributions by leveraging the Ising and Potts Statistical Mechanics models to investigate the behavior of different DNA nano-technology shapes. Specifically, I focused on the interaction of DNA subunits with sticky ends, which can be controlled by their nucleotide sequencing, as members of spin systems. This exploration yielded valuable insights that can be applied to drug delivery applications. I studied the energy of the systems, which were influenced by a combination of enthalpic and entropic forces. When the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, the DNA subunits exhibit random orientations. However, below a threshold, specific clustering patterns emerge. By studying behavior of surrogate models, I was able to propose critical temperature at which lattice clustering may dissipate. My findings suggest that by designing DNA structures with appropriate sticky ends, it is possible to create temperature-responsive drug delivery systems. As the temperature increases, the DNA enclosure undergoes a conformational change, enabling the release of the enclosed drug. This approach provides a promising avenue for controlled drug delivery mechanisms based on the principles of statistical mechanics and DNA nanotechnology.

Technical Skills

• Research
• Biomedical Engineering
• Python
• MATLAB
• Probabilistic Modeling