Theory, analysis, and interpretation of single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Chemical Physics
• Molecular Dynamics

Background:

• Dynamic force spectroscopy is crucial for understanding single-molecule behavior.
• Extracting kinetic information from these experiments can be challenging.
• Existing methods often rely on simplified models of molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust method for extracting kinetic information from dynamic force spectroscopy data.
• To bridge the gap between rupture-force histograms and force-dependent lifetimes.
• To provide a generalized theoretical framework for interpreting single-molecule force experiments.

Main Methods:

• A novel transformation of rupture-force histograms into force-dependent lifetimes.
• Derivation of a generalized Bell's formula within Kramers theory.
• Application to nanopore DNA hairpin unzipping and protein unfolding using atomic force microscopy.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully converts rupture-force histograms to force-dependent lifetimes.
• The generalized Bell's formula provides an exact interpretation of lifetimes under Kramers theory.
• The approach is valid even for complex, higher-dimensional free-energy landscapes.

Conclusions:

• The developed procedure offers a powerful tool for analyzing dynamic force spectroscopy data.
• This method enhances the understanding of molecular kinetics and thermodynamics.
• It provides a more accurate interpretation of molecular behavior under force, even in complex systems.