TITLE:
“Single molecule biophysics and nanotechnology”
by Prof. Robert Szoszkiewicz, Dept. of Physics, Kansas State University, USA.
ABSTRACT:
Have you ever thought of how it is possible to visualize a single protein or a DNA molecule?
Would you like to learn how not only to see them, but also how to stretch them, squeeze
them and knot them? Are you interested to learn how scientists can track enzymatic
catalysis at a single molecule level? Are you tempted to question how protein folding works
at the single molecule level? Do you want to learn how to “name” each single atom within a
basic organic molecule like benzene using a very sharp stick and a few extra tools? How
would you track a progress of a chemical reaction occurring between two simple molecules
moving fast and freely in a gas phase? If you became just a little bit curious about those
questions, then please join us in the series of lectures delivered by Prof. Robert
Szoszkiewicz from Kansas State University, USA, and feel welcomed into the fascinating
world of the single molecules and their studies for the need of molecular biophysics and
nanotechnology! The six hour lecture course will be supplemented by four hours of hands-on
wet labs and two hours hands-on computer labs. Wet labs will feature usage of atomic force
microscopy to adsorb, visualize and manipulate single biomolecules. Computer labs will
introduce commonly used computer program used to visualize and simulate manipulations of
single biomolecules.
PRELIMINARY LECTURE OUTLINE (6h course):
1. Our toolbox for single molecule biophysics and nanotechnology:
a. Why single molecules?
b. Main techniques and their strengths for measuring molecular properties of
single molecules (inorganic, organic and biomolecules). Time-resolved
methods, distance resolved methods, force-sensitive methods.
2. Structural, chemical and nanomechanical properties of single molecules: why they
are important and which of them can be measured.
3. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (I): fluorescence methods (FRET, TIRF,
confocal microscopy, immobilization schemes, nanopores, some microfluidic
schemes).
4. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (II): optical manipulation methods (optical
tweezers) and magnetic manipulation methods (magnetic tweezers).
5. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (III): mechanical manipulation methods
using AFM.
6. Introduction to single molecule nanotechnology: how to name and manipulate a
single atom or a molecule adsorbed on an arbitrary surface or moving freely within in
a gas phase (molecular beams and their applications); templates for manipulation of
many single molecules.
PRELIMINARY OUTLINE OF LABS/PRACTICAL TRAINING (6h course):
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Two hours hands-on wet labs featuring learning of how to prepare an arbitrary
surface for adsorptions of single molecules onto registered nano-sized spots.
Methods will include usage of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques.
Two hours hands-on wet labs featuring learning of how to use AFM to visualize
and/or manipulate single biological molecules adsorbed on arbitrary surfaces.
Two hours hands-on computer lab activities. Computer lab activities will involve basic
visualization and manipulations of simple protein using Visual Molecular Dynamics
(VMD) program.