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Science 18 July 2003:
Vol. 301. no. 5631, pp. 367 - 370
DOI: 10.1126/science.1084713
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Reports

DNA: A Programmable Force Sensor

Christian Albrecht,1 Kerstin Blank,1 Mio Lalic-Mülthaler,1 Siegfried Hirler,1 Thao Mai,1 Ilka Gilbert,1 Susanne Schiffmann,1 Tom Bayer,1 Hauke Clausen-Schaumann,1* Hermann E. Gaub2

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 DNAduplex). 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.

1 Nanotype GmbH, Lochhamer Schlag 12, 82166 Gräfelfing, Germany. 2 Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Physik and Center for Nano-Science, Amalienstrasse 54, 80799 München, Germany.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: hauke.clausen-schaumann{at}nanotype.de

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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