High-throughput single-molecule optofluidic analysis

Abstract
A microfluidic mixing device for multiple, rapid and automated single-molecule measurements permits the study of macromolecule properties under varying environmental conditions. Also in this issue, Gambin et al. present another microfluidic mixing device for rapid single-molecule measurements. We describe a high-throughput, automated single-molecule measurement system, equipped with microfluidics. The microfluidic mixing device has integrated valves and pumps to accurately accomplish titration of biomolecules with picoliter resolution. We demonstrate that the approach enabled rapid sampling of biomolecule conformational landscape and of enzymatic activity, in the form of transcription by Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, as a function of the chemical environment.