How does the molecular linker in dynamic force spectroscopy affect probing molecular interactions at the single-molecule level?

Abstract

Dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) based on atomic force microscopy, which enables us to obtain information on the interaction potential between molecules such as antigen–antibody complexes at the single-molecule level, is a key technique for advancing molecular science and technology. However, to ensure the reliability of DFS measurement, its basic mechanism must be well understood. We examined the effect of the molecular linker used to fix the target molecule to the atomic force microscope cantilever, i.e., the force direction during measurement, for the first time, which has not been discussed until now despite its importance. The effect on the lifetime and barrier position, which can be obtained by DFS, was found to be ∼10 and ∼50%, respectively, confirming the high potential of DFS.