LUMICKS C-Trap
Designed for high-resolution single-molecule biophysics, the C-Trap allows researchers to apply and measure mechanical forces while simultaneously observing fluorescently labeled single molecules in real time. This makes it an exceptionally powerful tool for studying complex biological systems at the molecular level.
Technical details
Optical Tweezers:
- 1064 nm 20 W laser for Trapping
- Dual trap configuration with independent control
- Trap 1 xy range = 27×35 µm
- 2 force detectors
- Sub-picoNewton force sensitivity (±0.1 pN)
- Nanometer-scale spatial resolution (±0.3 nm)
- Force- and position-clamp modes with real-time feedback
- Force detection at 78 kHz
- Nanostage range: 200×200×200 µm
Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy:
- Laser excitation lines:
- 488 nm (blue) for fluorophores like GFP or Alexa Fluor 488
- 561 nm (green/yellow) for dyes like Cy3, mCherry, or Alexa Fluor 568
- 638 nm (red) for Cy5, Alexa Fluor 647, etc.
- Single-photon counting APD detectors for high sensitivity and low dark count noise (<250 counts/s), 50-70 % photon detection efficiency, 45 ns dead time
- High-speed line-scanning confocal system: 2 axis, closed loop control, 50×35 µm range, Scanning speed up to 200 Hz per line
- Typical 1 axis scans for DNA assay: 25 ms per line
- Typical 2 axis scans for DNA assay: 1.5 s per image
- Pinhole size (Airy units): 1.7 for 488 nm, 1.5 for 561 nm and 1.6 for 638 nm
Camera:
- CMOS camera for brightfield imaging with a Field of View:
110×70 µm - Bright Field Illumination: LED, 850 nm
- High temporal and spatial resolution (up to 100 fps or more)
Microfluidics Integration:
- Multi-channel laminar flow cell (5 channels)
- Enables rapid buffer exchange and complex experimental protocols
Environmental Control:
- Temperature-controlled sample stage
- Closed-loop control ensures stability during long measurements
Software:
- Bluelake control and acquisition software
- Real-time trap calibration, force/position feedback, and multi-channel visualization
- Built-in analysis tools and export to Python, MATLAB, or ImageJ workflows
Objective:
- Nikon CFI Plan Apo VC 60x WI, Numerical aperture: 1.2, Correction ring
- Working distance: 0.29 mm
- Cover glass thickness: 0.15–0.18 mm
Oil immersion condenser lens
Applications
The C-Trap is widely adopted for cutting-edge research in:
- Protein-DNA/RNA interaction studies
- Mechanotransduction and force-sensing protein domains
- Molecular motor characterization (e.g., kinesin, myosin)
- Nucleic acid folding, unwinding, and remodeling
- Protein unfolding and ligand-binding force spectroscopy
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