The smfBox is an open-source platform for single-molecule FRET.

Ambrose, Benjamin; Baxter, James M; Cully, John; Willmott, Matthew; Steele, Elliot M; Bateman, Benji C; Martin-Fernandez, Marisa L; Cadby, Ashley et al. · Nat Commun · 2020

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) is a powerful technique capable of resolving both relative and absolute distances within and between structurally dynamic biomolecules. High instrument costs, and a lack of open-source hardware and acquisition software have limited smFRET's broad application by non-specialists. Here, we present the smfBox, a cost-effective confocal smFRET platform, providing detailed build instructions, open-source acquisition software, and full validation, thereby democratising smFRET for the wider scientific community.