Combining optical tweezers with various imaging methods: the power of manipulation in dynamic single molecule studies

Biological processes performed by proteins interacting with DNA/RNA, cell membranes or cytoskeletal protofilaments are key to cell metabolism and life. Detailed insights into these processes provide essential information for understanding the molecular basis of life and the pathological conditions that develop when such processes go awry. Manipulation, measurements, and observations - direct and in real-time - on the single molecule level are crucial in order to validate and complete the current biological models. LUMICKS’ C-Trap™ provides the means to unlock solutions to biological problems with simple, stand-alone solutions. The C-Trap™ combines optical tweezers with fluorescence (confocal, STED, widefield, TIRF) and an advanced microfluidics system in a truly correlated manner. The C-Trap™ is capable of live, simultaneous and correlative visualization and manipulation of molecular interactions. Its extremely high stability and spatial, temporal and force resolution (sub-nm, sub-ms and sub-pN, respectively) allows for even the fastest and smallest events to be captured. These abilities of the C-Trap™ allow users to study a wide range of biological mechanisms from single molecules and their complex interactions to single-cell mechanics. During this presentation, we will introduce you to the technology of optical tweezers and its power, but also the C-Trap’s ease of use. We will share examples of exciting research, highlighting how these methods can complement and strengthen numerous research areas, including your own.