DNA: a programmable force sensor

Science. 2003 Jul 18;301(5631):367-70. doi: 10.1126/science.1084713.

Abstract

Direct quantification of biomolecular interaction by single-molecule force spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful tool for materials and life sciences. We introduce an approach in which the unbinding forces required to break intermolecular bonds are measured in a differential format by comparison with a known reference bond (here, a short DNA duplex). In addition to a marked increase in sensitivity and force resolution, which enabled us to resolve single-base pair mismatches, this concept allows for highly specific parallel assays. This option was exploited to overcome cross-reactions of antibodies in a protein biochip application.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • Base Pair Mismatch*
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Carbocyanines
  • Cross Reactions
  • DNA* / chemistry
  • DNA* / genetics
  • DNA* / metabolism
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Glass
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay
  • Interleukin-5 / analysis
  • Interleukin-5 / immunology
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / metabolism
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis*
  • Protein Array Analysis*
  • Protein Binding
  • Silicones
  • Temperature
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Carbocyanines
  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Interleukin-5
  • Oligodeoxyribonucleotides
  • Silicones
  • cyanine dye 5
  • baysilon
  • DNA