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Single-molecule force spectroscopy: optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy.

ABSTRACT: Single-molecule force spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate the forces and motions associated with biological molecules and enzymatic activity. The most common force spectroscopy techniques are optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy. Here we describe these techniques and illustrate them with examples highlighting current capabilities and limitations.

SUBMITTER: Neuman KC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3397402 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Single-molecule force spectroscopy: optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy.

Neuman Keir C KC Nagy Attila A

Nature methods 20080601 6

Single-molecule force spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool to investigate the forces and motions associated with biological molecules and enzymatic activity. The most common force spectroscopy techniques are optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy. Here we describe these techniques and illustrate them with examples highlighting current capabilities and limitations. ...[more]

PMID: 18511917

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