Skip to main content
M-Trap - Optical Tweezers Fluorescence & Label-free microscopy

The m-Trap is the first entry-level optical tweezers instrument specifically developed for high resolution single-molecule research.

Ultra-high force resolution and stability, with incredible throughput, ease of use, and modularity ‒ all at an unprecedented price level.

m-Trap - Optical Tweezers Fluorescence & Label-free Microscopy
Download the brochure

How does it work?

In 2018 Arthur Ashkin won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery that the momentum of light can be used as an incredibly sensitive set of “tweezers”.

By shooting a laser through a microscope, he created a highly focused beam of light strong enough to trap and hold in place objects such as plastic beads. These beads can be coated to stick to a variety of biomolecules, such as proteins, cytoskeleton filaments, DNA, or RNA. Furthermore, the tiniest forces applied to these molecules can be measured as well, giving the world access to a tool not only capable of manipulating biomolecules but also capable of detecting what’s happening to them.

Optical Tweezers Explained
Optical Tweezers Explained

How can it be applied to my research?

Whether you are aiming to make novel discoveries in the life sciences or develop successful drug candidates, we work on a personal level to find the right solution for you. Browse our extended list of applications to discover how these technologies can benefit your research.

Don’t see your specific field represented? Drop us an e-mail to see what we can do!

Stable and precise sample manipulation

Advanced manipulation features that allow you to get the most out of your sample. Fully supported integration and correlation with custom optical layout allowing for 3rd party system integration.

Dual (2)
Optical Traps

For your typical assay in solution

DNA-binding protein assay of e.g. transcription factor binding force and time by C-trap dual trap optical tweezers system

m-Trap Flex option

The m-Trap Flex option provides access to the optical path, allowing for the integration of custom hardware. Imaging and spectroscopy techniques can be added to the m-Trap offerring full flexibility to combine locally developed optical hardware with the m-Trap’s ultra-high force resolution and stability

High throughput experiment workflow

Loading your sample and analysing your data in less than 30 minutes.

Load your sample into the flow

With fast and simple pipetting

For solution assays, load your samples and conditions into the syringes of the 5-channel u-Flux™ Laminar Flow Microfluidics system. Pipetting each reagent takes seconds thanks to the twist-and-lock syringe adaptor, with which you can quickly and easily refill individual syringes.

C-Trap fluidics
C-Trap Cover slip

Assemble your assay without physical barriers

With our new nano stage option and using laminar flow microfluidics

For solution assays, you can seamlessly move your optical traps to gather reagents, move them between the 5 microfluidics lanes, and assemble your constructs.

Dynamic Single Molecule Workflow showcasing the buildup of an assay wherein beads captured by laser capture a string of DNA to which proteins bind, after which protein-to-DNA binding is measured by changes in force communicated through the laser.

Perform and automate your experiments

With our Bluelake software suite

Bluelake™ is an intuitive user-friendly software suite containing programs that simplify, automate, and enhance single-molecule experiments and real-time data gathering with a mouse click. For example, use Bluelake to:

  • Assemble your samples and run your experiment in 80 seconds.
  • Extract 18 sets of data in only 30 minutes.

Organise and analyze your data

With a dedicated software suite

Generate a structured experiment overview with a fast and smooth navigation through multiple days of measurements.

View, compare, and export your data stream during or after the experiment. The dedicated software automatically stores all your metadata so you never lose valuable information and always have the option to reproduce your experiments.

Analyzing and repeating experiments has never been easier, as our analysis software comes with tutorials and sample notebooks that can serve as a scaffold for your own analyses.

Easy and intuitive software package

Check how you can completely automate your experiments using our user-centered software workflow.

Intuitive controls

Quick and easy sample interfacing

The software gives you total control over your experiments. Whether you are visually navigating through the laminar flow cell on the screen or selecting the area you wish to scan through the bright-field camera, our approach puts you in the front seat.

Fully correlated data

Everything in a single timeline

Bluelake was designed to control all aspects of your system from a single interface. The trap positions and force data truly correlates the experiments.

Ready-made reagents, kits, and tailored sample preparation services

Use our newly-established 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.

 

Find scripts and ready-made samples from the
community in the harbor

Become a part of the dynamic single-molecule community

Download the brochure to learn more

Join our mailing list

I would like to receive exclusive news about the latest product developments, dynamic single-molecule and immuno-oncology events and breakthrough science. I can revoke my consent at any time.

By submitting the form you agree to LUMICKS' privacy policy.

Close Menu

For pricing, reach out to your application scientist or account manager

Open Email

Fill in our contact form, we will reach out to you!

Please include ‘Lakeview data analysis price inquiry’ in the Message box

Contact Us


Join our newsletter

Get exclusive news on the latest publications, product developments, events and breakthrough science.

By submitting the form you agree to LUMICKS' privacy policy. You can revoke your consent at any time.

Download our webinar recording:

 

Download our Cell Therapy (CAR-T, TCR, NK) applications deck