“Single molecule biophysics and nanotechnology” 6h lecture + 6h labs by Prof. Robert Szoszkiewicz, Dept. of Physics, Kansas State University, USA.
Picture adopted from S. Block
group, Stanford, USA
Yasuda et al. Nature 2001.
Picture adopted from T.
Ha group, UIUC, USA
Abbondanzieri et al. Nature 2005.
How it is possible to visualize a single
protein or a DNA molecule? Would you
like to learn how not only to see them, but
also how to stretch them, squeeze them
and knot them? Are you interested to
learn how to ”see” enzymatic catalysis at
a single molecule level? Do you want to
learn how to “name” each single atom
within a basic organic molecule like
benzene using a very sharp stick and a
few extra tools? How would you track a
progress of a chemical reaction occurring
between two simple molecules moving
fast and freely in a gas phase? If you
became just a little bit curious about
those questions, then join us and feel
welcomed into the fascinating world of
the single molecules and their studies for
the need of molecular biophysics and
nanotechnology!
The six hour lecture course will be
supplemented by four hours of hands-on
wet labs and two hours computer labs.
Wet labs will feature usage of atomic
force microscopy to adsorb, visualize and
manipulate single biomolecules.
Computer labs will introduce commonly
used computer program used to visualize
and simulate manipulations of single
biomolecules.
CLASS LOCATION AND HOURS:
Tuesday, Feb 24, 2015:
8:15 – 9:45: 2h Lecture: Conference Room S3 (3rd floor) IPPT, PAN, ul. Pawińskiego 5B, Warszawa
10:00 – 11:30: 2h Wet Lab: Room 226A, IPPT, PAN
Thursday, Feb 26, 2015:
8:15 – 9:45: 2h Lecture: Conference Room S3 (3rd floor) IPPT, PAN
10:00 – 11:30: 2h Wet Lab: Room 226A, IPPT, PAN
Friday, Feb 27, 2015:
8:15 – 9:45: 2h Lecture: Conference Room S3 (3rd floor) IPPT, PAN
11:00 – 12:30: 2h Computer Lab: Room 105A, Wydzial Inżynierii Materiałowej, ul. Wołoska 141
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION: Prof. R. Szoszkiewicz, IPPT, PAN, room 226B, [email protected].
TEACHING OUTCOMES: Get the grasp of single molecule methods and their applications in contemporary bio/nano-technology.
GRADING SCHEME: final paper describing some research applications based on works distributed during the lecture.
PRELIMINARY LECTURE OUTLINE (6h):
1. Our toolbox for single molecule biophysics and nanotechnology:
•  Why single molecules?
•  Main techniques and their strengths for measuring molecular properties of single molecules (inorganic, organic and biomolecules).
• Time-resolved methods, distance resolved methods, force-sensitive methods.
2. Structural, chemical and nanomechanical properties of single molecules: why they are important and which of them can be measured.
3. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (I): fluorescence methods (FRET, TIRF, confocal microscopy, immobilization schemes, nanopores,
some microfluidic schemes).
4. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (II): optical manipulation methods (optical tweezers) and magnetic manipulation methods (magnetic
tweezers).
5. Introduction to single molecule biophysics (III): mechanical manipulation methods using AFM.
6. Introduction to single molecule nanotechnology: how to name and manipulate a single atom or a molecule adsorbed on an arbitrary surface or
moving freely within in a gas phase (molecular beams and their applications); templates for manipulation of many single molecules.
PRELIMINARY OUTLINE OF LABS/PRACTICAL TRAINING (6h):
1. Two hours hands-on wet labs featuring learning of how to prepare an arbitrary surface for adsorptions of single molecules onto registered
nano-sized spots. Methods will include usage of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) techniques.
2. Two hours hands-on wet labs featuring learning of how to use AFM to visualize and/or manipulate single biological molecules adsorbed on
arbitrary surfaces.
3. Two hours hands-on computer lab activities. Computer lab activities will involve basic visualization and manipulations of simple protein using
Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) program.
CREDITS INFO:
Successful completion of the Course will be awarded with 2 ECTS Credit Points.