C-Trap

Biomolecular interactions re-imagined
The world’s first dynamic single-molecule microscope to allow simultaneous manipulation and visualization of single-molecule interactions in real time.

Part of:

Dynamic Single-Molecule

Revealing biomolecular insights never before available

Visit Dynamic Single-Molecule page
Learn and master the system in no-time through intuitive controls and data analysis featureslue
Reveal the complete perspective through seamless correlation of force & molecular visualization
Measure the smallest, most transient and fastest changes in your biological system through unparalleled performance.
Workflow video

A typical experiment

Watch our short workflow video to understand what a typical day with a C-Trap looks like
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Platform

Take a look inside

Discover the correlated technology that makes C-Trap possible

Highly precise & stable sample manipulation

Automatically manages media exchanges and reagent additions, ensuring consistent and reproducible biology.

Multicolor fluorescence imaging

Choose and combine from a variety of imaging methods and different optical trap configurations designed specifically to solve the needs of different experimental designs.

Laminar flow microfluidics

Gently applies a controlled force to assess multi-receptor binding, distinguishing strong interactions from weaker ones.
Workflow

High throughput & hands-off

Load your samples & assemble your assay

Load your samples and conditions into the syringes of the 5-channel microfluidics module. Pipetting each reagent takes seconds thanks to the twist-and-lock syringes, which you can quickly and easily top up.

Seamlessly gather reagents and assemble your constructs with the laminar flowcell and automation features. Once completed, you’re ready to measure.

Perform and automate your experiments

Our intuitive and user-friendly software simplifies, automates, and enhances your Dynamic Single-molecule experiments: Assemble your samples and run your experiment in 80 seconds, and extract 18 sets of data in only 30 minutes.

Grab your data and clean up

With automated cleaning protocols, you can leave your system overnight for minimal set-up time the next day. Get your data off the system or send it straight to your institute’s server to study and analyze it later.
Software

Your new data acquisition and analysis experiences

Execute and analyze C-Trap experiments using our intuitive BluelakeLakeview software.
Execute your experiment with ease and automation
Whether you are navigating through the laminar flow cell, controlling the optical traps, or utilizing our powerful automation features, our easy to use Bluelake solution puts you in control.
Adapt interate on the fly through real-time data insights
Bluelake presents you with a full overview of your experiment’s data as it gets measured. Catch new insights quickly and adapt your experiment on the fly to make the most out of your time.
Study and analyze your data wherever, whenever
Acquire statistical insights across multiple Dynamic Single-molecule measurements in only a few clicks. Lakeview makes it easy to gain reliable information quickly and integrate into your own pipeline.

Curious about our data analysis?

Take a look at our dedicated Lakeview page and try it for yourself.
Discover Lakeview
Key content

Discover all the details

C-Trap Product Brochure
C-Trap Product Brochure
Brochure
The latest all-in-one overview of our C-Trap solution.
Brochure
Benefits

Beyond the product

Take a look at the perks that come with being one of our users
Symposia

Join the community

SMBIO (Single-molecule Biology) is LUMICKS’ symposia format. We regularly host events across the world, aiming to bring together scientists interested in dynamic single-molecule applications to share their research, connect, and exchange ideas and experiences.
Support & service

Ready-made reagent kits and tailored sample preparation services

Use our biochemistry platform and internal expertise for the purification, labeling, and preparation of your reagents for optical trapping experiments. With our multidisciplinary expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and dynamic single-molecule analysis, we’ve created the most extensive selection of ready-made reagents, kits, and tailored services to prepare your samples.
  • Ready-made reagents
  • Kits
  • Tailored services
  • Product accessories
  • ...and more!
Support & service

Your success is our success

Our goal is to minimize your time to results, ensure success, and provide a C-Trap instrument that is easy to use and maintain. To this end we have a dedicated team, proving user training, applications support, and system checkups as part of our collaboration, and dedication to the superior quality of our instrument and support.

Begin your LUMICKS journey

Demonstrating value

Our application scientists can help create interest among potential users through organizing different events such as seminars, workshops, and demonstrations, as well as meet with stakeholders individually to understand and help solve their needs.

Grant & tender support

Throughout our history we have supported multiple successful grants across a broad spectrum of funding and users involved. Our application scientists are experienced in highlighting the unique value of Dynamic Single-molecule and its solutions, and are able to collect proof-of-concept data to strengthen your grant application.

To this end, we have a dedicated grant expeditor brochure that indicates all the possibilities and provides a clear outline of the type of processes we can help you go through. Please contact us to gain more information!

Get in touch

Let’s get in touch

Our team is standing by to help you
Contact us

Publications

Understand the key insights by reading up on our latest publications

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E. coli RecB Nuclease Domain Regulates RecBCD Helicase Activity but not Single Stranded DNA Translocase Activity

Fazio, N. et al.
2024
Journal of Molecular Biology
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DNA-Binding proteins
Publication
Text Link

Rapid Long-distance Migration of RPA on Single Stranded DNA Occurs Through Intersegmental Transfer Utilizing Multivalent Interactions

Sushil Pangeni et al.,
2024
Journal of Molecular Biology
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DNA-Binding proteins
Publication
Text Link

Single-molecule analysis of purified proteins and nuclear extracts: Insights from 8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1

Schaich, M.A. et al.,
2024
DNA Repair
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DNA-Binding proteins
Publication

Relevant resources

Learn as much as you can by reading up on our application notes or marathoning our webinars.

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New Insights in Chromosome Organization: Single Molecule Analysis of Eukaryotic SMC Complexes

New Insights in Chromosome Organization: Single Molecule Analysis of Eukaryotic SMC Complexes

Webinar
March 31, 2025
01-01-20

Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) complexes, cohesin, condensin and Smc5/6, play a fundamental role in genome organization, facilitating chromosome compaction, segregation, and DNA repair. Despite their essential functions, the mechanisms by which the complexes interact with different DNA substrates and influence topological transitions remain not fully understood. Using the LUMICKS C-Trap, we have employed single-molecule approaches to analyze the behavior of purified SMC complexes, focusing on yeast cohesin and human SMC5/6, on different DNA substrates, including double-stranded (dsDNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Additionally, we have used a quadrupole optical trap to bridging by SMC complexes and their effect on DNA decatenation by Topoisomerase IIα (Top2A). These findings provide new insights into the fundamental properties and requirements of cohesin and Smc5/6’s interaction with DNA substrates, as well as their ability to bridge two independent DNAs.

Text Link
Deciphering the Dynamic Mechanisms of Thymine DNA Glycosylase (TDG) in DNA Repair

Deciphering the Dynamic Mechanisms of Thymine DNA Glycosylase (TDG) in DNA Repair

Scientific update
December 5, 2024
01-01-20

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Golden Gate meets C-Trap: A powerful combination for unprecedented molecular insights

Golden Gate meets C-Trap: A powerful combination for unprecedented molecular insights

Application note
December 18, 2024
01-01-20

Precisely manipulating genetic material at the single molecule level is gaining importance across life sciences – and so do the tools that allow researchers to do exactly that. The C-Trap system combines single molecule fluorescence microscopy with optical tweezers to manipulate DNA, allowing researchers to directly observe and track molecular events as they occur. Designing and creating specific DNA constructs is crucial for maximizing the potential of single molecule studies. In this application note we introduce the powerful combination of cutting edge biochemistry and single-molecule visualization methods to increase throughput and maximize the results gained from each individual measurement.

C-Trap Product Brochure

C-Trap Product Brochure

Brochure
February 28, 2025
01-01-20

Connect with us

Stop by at a conference or user event, or tune in for a live webinar!

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AACR 2025

AACR 2025

Conference
April 18, 2025
01-01-20