Single-Molecule Biophysics
DNA Curtains technology enables direct visualization of hundreds of DNA-protein interactions in parallel — delivering statistical robustness from a single experiment.
Single-molecule approaches are powerful, but traditionally suffer from low throughput. DNA Curtains solve this problem — directly, elegantly, and cost-effectively.
Traditional single-molecule assays observe one molecule at a time. DNA Curtains align and image hundreds of DNA molecules simultaneously, delivering bulk-level statistics from a single experiment.
Unlike indirect probing techniques, DNA Curtains provide real-time, direct visualization of DNA-binding protein dynamics. Data interpretation is intuitive and free from complex processing assumptions.
Designed to be compatible with any objective-type TIRF microscope. Straightforward setup, clear workflow, and cost-effective acquisition — opening single-molecule biophysics to a wider community.
Manufactured by 1NA, the DNA Curtains Flow Cell is a precision-engineered microfluidic device featuring nanofabricated barriers produced by electron-beam lithography on a glass coverslip.
Its six independent channels are optimized to minimize sample consumption, with a dead volume of just 2 µL and typical experiments requiring only ~10 µL of sample at nanomolar concentrations.
Three steps from sample to high-throughput single-molecule data.
All surfaces of the microfluidic channel are passivated with a supported lipid bilayer (SLB), tethering DNA while minimizing non-specific protein binding.
DNA is anchored to the SLB via biotin–streptavidin coupling. Applying gentle flow drives tethered DNA toward the nanofabricated barriers.
Barriers capture and align hundreds of DNA molecules at their leading edges, forming a DNA Curtain ready for TIRF imaging and protein interaction studies.
DNA Curtains have been used in high-impact research across core areas of molecular biology.
Visualize repair machinery in action — from MRN complex recruitment to resection and pathway choice.
Track translocation, velocity, and processivity of helicases, translocases, and polymerases along individual DNA molecules.
Quantify binding dynamics, search mechanisms, and cleavage activity — including CRISPR-Cas9 interrogation.
Study nucleosome assembly, loop extrusion by cohesin, and chromatin remodeling at the single-molecule level.
DNA Curtains technology has enabled discoveries published in Nature, Science, Molecular Cell, PNAS, and more.
Contact us for pricing, compatibility questions, or to discuss your specific research application.
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