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Updated: Nov 3, 2025
09:08
Calorespirometry: A Powerful, Noninvasive Approach to Investigate Cellular Energy Metabolism
Published on: May 31, 2018
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Single-molecule calorimeter and free energy landscape
Yi Wang1, Zhuodong Tang1, Hong-Yuan Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Summary
We developed a novel nanoparticle technique to measure single-molecule binding thermodynamics. This method precisely quantifies energetic contributions, advancing biomolecular interaction studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Precise measurement of biomolecular thermodynamic and kinetic properties is crucial for biochemistry, biosensing, and healthcare.
- Current methods lack the sensitivity to characterize single-molecule thermodynamic binding affinity (Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nanoparticle-based technique for probing energetic contributions of single-molecule binding events.
- To achieve high sensitivity in measuring thermodynamic properties at the single-molecule level.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a nanoparticle-based approach combined with optical tweezers and plasmonic imaging.
- Focused a laser to an optical path to accumulate and monitor transient local heating during binding events.
- Developed a single-molecule calorimeter to analyze molecular interactions.
Main Results:
- Successfully probed energetic contributions of single-molecule binding events.
- Demonstrated the capability to identify thermodynamic equilibrium states.
- Enabled determination of energetic components and the complete thermodynamic profile of the free energy landscape.
Conclusions:
- The developed single-molecule calorimeter offers a breakthrough in measuring thermal effects at the single-molecule level.
- This platform provides a thorough description of specific biomolecular interactions.
- The technique has significant potential for applications in biochemistry, biosensing, and healthcare.
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