Suppressing Brownian motion of individual biomolecules in solution.
Single biomolecules in free solution have long been of interest for detailed study by optical methods, but Brownian motion prevents the observation of one single molecule for extended periods. We have used an anti-Brownian electrokinetic (ABEL) trap to trap individual protein molecules in free solution, under ambient conditions, without requiring any attachment to beads or surfaces. We also demonstrate trapping and manipulation of single virus particles, lipid vesicles, and fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals.
Cohen
Adam E
AE
Department of Physics, Stanford University, 381 Via Pueblo Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. aecohen@stanford.edu
Moerner
W E
WE
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000737:chemistry; D008863:Microspheres; D008956:Models, Chemical; D009038:Motion; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012996:Solutions; D014027:Tobacco Mosaic Virus / Q000737:chemistry; D014771:Virion / Q000737:chemistry*
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D012996:Solutions