Load bearing studies of single DNA molecules and red blood cells using optical tweezers and Raman spectroscopy

Saurabh Raj; Satish Rao; Mónica Marro Sanchez; Michal Wojdyla; Dmitri Petrov

doi:10.1117/12.921357

8 May 2012 Load bearing studies of single DNA molecules and red blood cells using optical tweezers and Raman spectroscopy

Saurabh Raj, Satish Rao, Mónica Marro Sanchez, Michal Wojdyla, Dmitri Petrov

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8427, Biophotonics: Photonic Solutions for Better Health Care III; 842719 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.921357
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2012, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Living cells and single molecules as DNA experiences numerous mechanical events, necessitating single molecule force spectroscopy techniques to provide insight into cellular mechanics as a whole system. This paper shows results on Raman spectroscopy of a single red blood cell which is gradually stretched using optically trapped beads attached to the cell. The applied force is intended to simulate step-by-step deformation experienced by cells in normal conditions (induced by blood flow) as they squeeze through microvasculature. To further improve the sensitivity of the experiments and facilitate their interpretation, 2D correlation and principal component analysis techniques were applied. The purpose of this work is to help unravel direct relationship between mechanical deformation of RBC and chemical changes occurring in the cell structure on molecular level. We also obtained Raman spectra from single DNA molecules in their natural aqueous environment as a first step to establish a direct relationship between DNA's extension and structure in the low force, entropic regime.

Citation Download Citation

Saurabh Raj, Satish Rao, Mónica Marro Sanchez, Michal Wojdyla, and Dmitri Petrov "Load bearing studies of single DNA molecules and red blood cells using optical tweezers and Raman spectroscopy", Proc. SPIE 8427, Biophotonics: Photonic Solutions for Better Health Care III, 842719 (8 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.921357

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