2020/06/29 by Kathrin Lehmann, Marjan Shayegan, Lehmann, Kathrin +5
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Materials Science · #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #Cellular Mechanics and Interactions #Collagen: Extraction and Characterization #Connective tissue disorders research #FOS: Physical sciences #Optics (physics.optics)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2006.15841
openalex publication_date 2020/06/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Multi-step assembly of individual protein building blocks is key to the\nformation of essential higher-order structures inside and outside of cells.\nOptical tweezers is a technique well suited to investigate the mechanics and\ndynamics of these structures at a variety of size scales. In this mini-review,\nwe highlight experiments that have used optical tweezers to investigate protein\nassembly and mechanics, with a focus on the extracellular matrix protein\ncollagen. These examples demonstrate how optical tweezers can be used to study\nmechanics across length scales, ranging from the single-molecule level to\nfibrils to protein networks. We discuss challenges in experimental design and\ninterpretation, opportunities for integration with other experimental\nmodalities, and applications of optical tweezers to current questions in\nprotein mechanics and assembly.\n