C-Trap Dymo 400. Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscope

Concepts

• birmingham
• confocal fluorescence microscopy
• multi-colour confocal fluorescence
• cutting-edge optical trapping
• optical
• dymo
• fluorescence
• trap
• microscope
• 400

Location

Description

The University of Birmingham, within the College of Medicine and Health, is expanding its capabilities for advanced single-molecule biophysics research. This expansion includes the acquisition of a highly specialised instrument: the C-Trap® Dymo 400, manufactured by LUMICKS B.V. This instrument integrates cutting-edge optical trapping, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and laminar flow microfluidics into a single, coherent system. The C-Trap® Dymo 400 will be installed at the University to support high-precision, real-time studies of molecular interactions, particularly in areas involving DNA-protein complexes, RNA structures, ubiquitin structures and cytoskeletal filament dynamics. It includes multi-colour confocal fluorescence (488, 561, 638 nm), dual force detection (x,y), short tether capabilities, microfluidics, and full system integration with proprietary Bluelake software, all required to maintain the scientific edge of our ongoing biophysical and molecular biology research.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

This procurement is being undertaken via a single-source route due to the unique technical capabilities of the C-Trap® Dymo 400 and the exclusive rights held by its manufacturer, LUMICKS B.V. the unique elements of this are: • Multi-trap continuous-wave optical tweezers, • Multi-colour confocal fluorescence microscopy, and • Multi-channel laminar flow microfluidics. These technologies are protected by several granted patents, including: US9952421, EP3256254B1 (optical traps), US9766180, EP3004848B1 (fluorescence imaging), S11156513B2 (optical force measurement) and EP3737756B1 (DNA supercoiling). No other commercially available instrument can provide simultaneous, correlated force-distance-fluorescence measurements with the required resolution and sensitivity. Key performance features exclusive to the C-Trap include: • Force resolution < 0.1 pN and drift stability < 0.3 pN over 2 minutes • Confocal localisation precision < 15 nm • Real-time imaging of single molecules under physiological flow conditions • Escape force > 1000 pN, allowing for broad biological applicability • Integrated hardware/software for fast setup and automated experimental workflows. Additionally, the system includes a complete service and application support package, exclusive training kits, and proprietary components that are not available from any other provider.

Other Information

** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. **