Scientists can use optical tweezers to trap beads, as depicted at the right, and catch a biomolecule, such as DNA, in between. This biomolecule can then be manipulated by moving the beads, while the force and extension are measured. Fluorescently labeled proteins can be visualized with confocal or STED fluorescence microscopy. The combination of optical tweezers with simultaneous multicolor fluorescence measurements allows correlating the mechanical properties of the DNA with the protein activity. With optical tweezers – fluorescence microscopy you can:
Scientists can use acoustic forces to manipulate, stretch and measure hundreds of single molecules at the same time. Multiple DNA, RNA or protein-coated molecules can be tethered between a bead and a glass surface. Using Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS) technology you can then apply controlled forces on all beads synchronously and probe the mechanical properties of each molecule in parallel. With this highly parallel single-molecule method you can:
Technology
The combination of optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy allows for simultaneous manipulation and visualization of molecular interactions in real-time.
Technology
A novel single-molecule and single-cell manipulation technology that allows the user to apply acoustic forces on multiple biomolecules and cells while tracking them in 3D with high accuracy.
Parallel Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
