2024/02/20 by Kotsifaki, Domna G., Truong, Viet Giang, Dindo, Mirco +3
#Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Optics (physics.optics)
paper · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2402.12878
Investigating the dynamics of single biomolecules is essential for unlocking new frontiers in biophysics and medicine. Here, we present a transformative approach using metamaterial optical tweezers to trap and study individual urease molecules - an enzyme that catalyzes urea hydrolysis and serves as a key biomarker for pathogenic infections. By generating thermally induced drifts and rapid hydrodynamic flows with optically induced local temperature fields at the metamaterial/water interface, we achieve unprecedented guidance and control over single urease molecules at low trapping laser intensities of 0.13~mW/μm2 facilitating their precise delivery to plasmonic hotspots. The interplay of thermophoresis, thermo-osmosis and depletion forces shapes the trapping potential, enabling real-time observation of ureases` conformational changes and interactions with the environment. This innovative approach not only enhances our understanding of enzyme dynamics but also paves the way for label-free characterization of biomolecules, ushering in a new era in life sciences and nanotechnology.