The smfBox is an open-source platform for single-molecule FRET.

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) measures distances in dynamic biomolecules.
• High costs and proprietary software limit accessibility of smFRET technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-effective and open-source confocal smFRET platform.
• To democratize the application of smFRET for broader scientific use.

Main Methods:

• Construction of a confocal smFRET instrument using readily available components.
• Development of open-source hardware and acquisition software for the smFRET platform.
• Validation of the smfBox performance through rigorous testing.

Main Results:

• The smfBox provides a low-cost alternative to commercial smFRET systems.
• Detailed build instructions and open-source software enable widespread adoption.
• The platform is fully validated for accurate distance measurements.

Conclusions:

• The smfBox significantly lowers the barrier to entry for smFRET experiments.
• This democratized approach empowers non-specialists to utilize smFRET for biomolecular research.
• The open-source nature fosters community development and innovation in smFRET techniques.