High-throughput platform for real-time monitoring of biological processes by multicolor single-molecule fluorescence

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2014 Jan 14;111(2):664-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1315735111. Epub 2013 Dec 30.

Abstract

Zero-mode waveguides provide a powerful technology for studying single-molecule real-time dynamics of biological systems at physiological ligand concentrations. We customized a commercial zero-mode waveguide-based DNA sequencer for use as a versatile instrument for single-molecule fluorescence detection and showed that the system provides long fluorophore lifetimes with good signal to noise and low spectral cross-talk. We then used a ribosomal translation assay to show real-time fluidic delivery during data acquisition, showing it is possible to follow the conformation and composition of thousands of single biomolecules simultaneously through four spectral channels. This instrument allows high-throughput multiplexed dynamics of single-molecule biological processes over long timescales. The instrumentation presented here has broad applications to single-molecule studies of biological systems and is easily accessible to the biophysical community.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Biophysics / instrumentation
  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Computer Systems
  • Fluorescence*
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays / instrumentation
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Software*