Influence of sequence correlations on the adsorption of random copolymers onto homogeneous planar surfaces

TL;DR

This paper develops an analytical theory to understand how sequence correlations in random heteropolymers affect their adsorption onto homogeneous surfaces, validated by numerical lattice calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a reference system approach and derives a simple equation for the adsorption transition, advancing theoretical understanding of sequence correlation effects.

Findings

Analytical expression for adsorption transition line

Validation of theory with numerical lattice calculations

Effect of sequence correlations on adsorption behavior

Abstract

Using a reference system approach, we develop an analytical theory for the adsorption of random heteropolymers with exponentially decaying and/or oscillating sequence correlations on planar homogeneous surfaces. We obtain a simple equation for the adsorption-desorption transition line. This result as well as the validity of the reference system approach is tested by a comparison with numerical lattice calculations.