Electrophysiology and Patch Clamp Techniques
Patch clamp electrophysiology measures ion currents through individual channels and whole cells, providing direct observation of channel gating, conductance, and pharmacology.
Surface Forces and Surface Force Apparatus
The surface force apparatus measures intermolecular and surface forces as a function of separation distance, providing direct insight into van der Waals, electrostatic, steric, and solvation forces.
Analytical Ultracentrifugation
Analytical ultracentrifugation determines the molecular weight, shape, and interaction stoichiometry of macromolecules in solution by monitoring sedimentation at high centrifugal forces.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Molecular dynamics simulations compute the time-dependent motion of atoms and molecules using classical mechanics, revealing conformational changes, binding events, and thermodynamic properties.
Optical Tweezers and Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
Optical tweezers use focused laser light to trap and manipulate microscopic particles, enabling measurement of piconewton-scale forces and nanometer-scale displacements in single molecules.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
FRET is a distance-dependent energy transfer mechanism between fluorophores that reports molecular proximity and conformational changes with nanometer sensitivity in real time.
Ligand Binding Kinetics and Equilibrium
Ligand binding kinetics describes the rates of association and dissociation between a ligand and its target, while equilibrium binding reflects the affinity under steady-state conditions.
Protein Folding and Thermodynamics
Protein folding is the process by which a polypeptide chain adopts its native three-dimensional structure, driven by hydrophobic forces, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals interactions.