Researchers build microscopic DNA 'sails' to pull molecules apart
Across every cell in the body, molecules are constantly pulling, gripping and releasing under mechanical strain. That force often decides whether a drug sticks to its target, whether a cell holds its shape or whether a disease takes hold.
Researchers have developed a novel technique called tether force spectroscopy to measure the forces exerted by molecules within biological systems. This method applies controlled forces to numerous molecules simultaneously, allowing researchers to observe their responses without the need for specialized and expensive equipment. The technique uses a DNA strand tethered to a target molecule, which captures fluid flow like a sail, creating a force that can be measured and observed in real-time.
This approach offers several advantages over existing techniques, including the ability to measure forces on hundreds of molecules at once, making it faster and more accessible to labs with standard fluorescence microscopes and pumps. By validating the method against traditional optical tweezers, the researchers have demonstrated its accuracy in measuring molecular stretching, unzipping, and separation under a range of biologically relevant forces.
The technology has the potential to significantly impact drug discovery by providing insights into how candidate molecules behave under physical stress, helping researchers identify promising compounds more efficiently. The team is actively exploring the commercialization of their invention through the Mitacs Lab2Market program, which could lead to the development of an affordable and scalable tool for life sciences instrumentation.
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