Super-Resolution Force Spectroscopy

More Technical Details

Principe of Quantum Sensing

Atomic magnetometers, also known as optically pumped magnetometers, represent a major class of quantum sensing devices. With the reported 0.1 fT (1E-16 T!) normalized sensitivity, they are the most sensitive devices for magnetic detection. However, quantum sensing alone does not provide specific biological information such as drug-protein bonds.

Role of Mechanical Force

Using mechanical forces to gauge how strong biological bonds, SURFS implements molecular signature into magnetic sensing for the first time. It monitors the quantity of the biological bonds labeled with magnetic beads after applying ultrasound force onto the biomolecules. SURFS can routinely resolve DNA bonds with a single nucleotide difference.

Unprecedented resolution

With 0.3 pN resolution, SURFS was able to distinguish the mechanical effect of a single methylation on DNAs, which is only several piconewtons and cannot be achieved with any other techniques. in addition, we revealed a unique chiral selectivity when methylated DNAs bind tetrahydropalmatine (THP).

Multiplexing capability

As SURFS uses quantum sensing that is mechanically decoupled from the biomolecular systems, our technique has the capability of multiplexed detection, which is unique for the field of force spectroscopy. Potentially our optically pumped magnetometers can be integrated with current drug screening platforms.

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