A new massively parallel approach for manipulating single DNA and protein molecules and studying their interactions under force, called “single molecule centrifugation,” has been developed by researchers from the Rowland Institute at Harvard University.

The “The Centrifuge Force Microscope” (CFM) allows for improvements in throughput and cost in studying biological systems ranging from DNA replication to blood clotting, compared to technologies such as optical and magnetic tweezers and the atomic force microscope.

Developing the instrument involved miniaturizing a light microscope and safely rotating it at high speeds while maintaining precision and control.

Experiments involve tethering thousands of micron-sized “carrier” particles to a surface and observing their motion as the sample rotates to generate the centrifugal force.

More info: Harvard University news