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:
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.
C-Trap Accelerator Suite
Supercharge your C-Trap into a faster, easier, more reproducible powerhouse. C-Trap Accelerator Suite boosts the capabilities of the instrument you already own, letting you capture publishable single-molecule data in half the time with rock-solid reproducibility.
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.
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 Bluelake & Lakeview 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.
Key content
Discover all the details
C-Trap Product Brochure
Brochure
The latest all-in-one overview of our C-Trap solution.
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!
Let’s get in touch
Our team is standing by to help you
Technical note:
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Text Link
Migrasome formation is initiated preferentially in tubular junctions by membrane tension
Zucker, B. et al.
2025
Biophysical Journal
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2024.12.029
Publication
Text Link
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
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168381
Publication
Text Link
Rapid Long-distance Migration of RPA on Single Stranded DNA Occurs Through Intersegmental Transfer Utilizing Multivalent Interactions
Pangeni, S. et al.
2024
Journal of Molecular Biology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283624000639
Publication
Technical note:
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Webinar, Scientific update, Whitepaper, Application note, Brochure.
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Filter DSM and show 4 latest
This shows the most recent card of each resource type filtered on Business Unit
Webinar, Scientific update, Whitepaper, Application note, Brochure.
We only show 4 and we have 6 types so the 2 older ones are hidden.
In design only 1 is shown, but the rest will be loaded when published.
Button Text
A self-enforcing protein-DNA surface hydrogel safeguard nuclear integrity
Webinar
June 27, 2025
01-01-20
The nuclear envelope protects the genome from mechanical stress during processes such as migration, division, and compression , but how it buffers forces at the scale of DNA remains unclear. Here, we utilize optical tweezers to show that a multivalent protein–DNA co-condensate containing the nuclear envelope protein LEM2 and the DNA-binding protein BAF shield DNA beyond its melting point at 65 pN. Under load, their collective assembly induces an unconventional DNA stiffening effect that provides mechanical reinforcement, dependent on the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of LEM2. Within cells, these components form an elastic surface hydrogel at the nuclear periphery, visible as a continuous surface by cryo-electron tomography. Disruption of this surface hydrogel increases DNA damage and micronuclei formation during nuclear deformation. Together, this work expands the functional repertoire of condensates, revealing a load-responsive nuclear surface hydrogel at the mesoscale that mitigates mechanical stress.
Text Link
Linking Mechanical Stability with in vivo Recombination: Single-molecule Research Reveals Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance
Scientific update
January 4, 2025
01-01-20
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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
Brochure
February 28, 2025
01-01-20
AACR 2025
Conference
April 18, 2025
01-01-20
See more. Know more.
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All products and technologies are for Research Use Only (RUO) except when specifically noted