smfBox

smfBox enables confocal single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) measurements to quantify distances and conformational dynamics of biomolecules.

Key Features:

• Cost-effectiveness: Construction from commercially available components and a simple microscope body for approximately 40,000 GBP.
• Compact Design: Small footprint suitable for placement on an optics bench or optical breadboard.
• Safety Compliance: Assembled system qualifies as a class 1 laser product with all laser beams enclosed and a mechanical shutter linked to the lid preventing laser emission when the lid is open.
• Validation: Underwent full validation to ensure reliability and accuracy in smFRET measurements.

Scientific Applications:

• Distance Measurements: Quantification of relative and absolute distances within and between biomolecules undergoing structural changes using smFRET.
• Conformational Dynamics and Interactions: Observation and analysis of single-molecule conformational dynamics and molecular interactions.

Methodology:

Confocal single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) measurements focusing on individual molecules.