Single-Molecule DNA (Over)stretching Using Optical Tweezers

^{KEYWORDS: Optical Tweezers; NanoTracker; Optical Trap; Force Measurements; Stretching; Nanomanipulation; DNA; Single-Molecule; Life Science}

Optical tweezers technology has applications across many disciplines within the life sciences. Notably, the NanoTracker is the first commercial optical-tweezers platform that offers a complete solution for such quantitative force spectroscopy measurements. To this end, it integrates versatile manipulation and sample control through microfluidics. Additionally, microscopy visualization can be flexibly enhanced using optical microscopy techniques such as DIC or fluorescence. Bruker’s vision has been to finally have optical tweezers technology transcend the labs of self-building enthusiasts by offering a complete solution for such demanding experiments.

Readers can expect to learn about:

• The optimal configuration and dedicated accessories of the NanoTracker Optical Tweezers system for single-molecule stretching experiments;
• Performing and analyzing DNA elasticity experiments with the Nanotracker demonstrating the high spacial resolution of the system; and
• The powerful potential of Bruker's NanoTracker system for investigating mechanical properties, kinetics or thermodynamics of DNA and related enzymes;