Magnetic Tweezers for Force-extension Measurements

Abstract 

In this thesis, I establish the foundational methods for conducting single-molecule force experiments on biopolymers using Magnetic Tweezers (MT). By integrating MT with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and precise temperature control, as a research group we aim to explore the interplay between mechanical forces, temperature variations, and molecular processes such as binding dynamics. A key achievement of this work is the enhancement of bead-height position analysis, accomplished through modifications to existing algorithms and improvements in sample illumination. These advancements are essential for accurately monitoring the mechanical response of biopolymers like DNA and collagen under tension, thereby providing deeper insights into their behavior. The methods developed in this thesis lay the groundwork for future investigations into the complex interactions and environmental influences on biopolymers at the single-molecule level, with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of these fundamental biological processes.