Single-Molecule Biophysics

Microfluidic syringe array connected to a Lumicks C-Trap system for controlled sample delivery.
Microfluidic syringe array on the Lumicks C-Trap, used to precisely deliver samples and reagents during single-molecule experiments.
Lumicks C-Trap optical and fluidic modules with tubing and precision hardware mounted on a lab bench.
Optical and fluidic components of the Lumicks C-Trap, showing integrated tubing and precision positioning hardware.
Lumicks C-Trap instrument integrating optical tweezers, microscopy, and microfluidics in a laboratory setting.
The Lumicks C-Trap system, combining optical tweezers, fluorescence microscopy, and microfluidics for single-molecule research.
Lumicks C-Trap control display showing temperature readings and system status information.
Control module of the Lumicks C-Trap displaying real-time temperature and system status during experiments.

Single-molecule biophysics methods allow researchers to directly observe and manipulate individual biomolecules in real time. Using optical tweezers combined with fluorescence and microfluidics, these systems provide sub-nanometer precision in measuring molecular forces, dynamics, and interactions. Unlike traditional imaging, single-molecule studies focus on the behavior of individual particles, offering unique mechanistic insights.

Our facility houses a Lumicks C-Trap system for these experiments.

Benefits of single-molecule approaches:

  • Real-time, high-resolution measurement of molecular events
  • Combines mechanical manipulation with fluorescence readouts
  • Ideal for force spectroscopy and dynamic studies
  • Highly quantitative and precise
  • Lumicks C-Trap
  • An instrument that allows simultaneous manipulation and visualization of single-molecule interactions in real-time. It combines high-resolution optical tweezers, fluorescence, and label-free microscopy, and an advanced microfluidics system in a truly integrated and correlated format.