Figure 1.

For a Figure360 author presentation of this figure, see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2020.12.024

Multiplexed magnetic tweezers in a microplate. (A) Schematic of the assay’s format detailing the position and arrangement of neodymium cube magnets within a microplate-based assay. In this format, paramagnetic particles are coupled to the biological molecules of interest, which are in turn attached to the microplate surface. The position of the magnets above the surface (z axis) is defined by spacers incorporated into the 3D printed lid. Illustration is not to scale. (B) The divider that sits on top of the spacers separates the magnets in the x axis by 2 mm. (C) The force exerted upon the biological sample is defined by the size of the paramagnetic particle, the distance of Z above the sample and the spacing between the magnets in X. The force-distance relationship is plotted for the 1- and 2.8-μm particles used in these studies based on the analysis of (18). The inset shows the high distance and low force range.