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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Combining Single-molecule Manipulation and Imaging for the Study of Protein-DNA Interactions
Published on: August 27, 2014
Laminar flow cells for single-molecule studies of DNA-protein interactions
Laurence R Brewer1, Piero R Bianco
1School of Chemical and Bio-Engineering, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, PO Box 642710, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA. brewerl@wsu.edu
Abstract:
Microfluidic flow cells are used in single-molecule experiments, enabling measurements to be made with high spatial and temporal resolution. We discuss the fundamental processes affecting flow cell operation and describe the flow cells in use at present for studying the interaction of optically trapped or mechanically isolated, single DNA molecules with proteins. To assist the experimentalist in flow cell selection, we review the construction techniques and materials used to fabricate both single- and multiple-channel flow cells and the advantages of each design for different experiments.

