Platinum Tweezers
Platinum Tweezers - Related Videos
11:41
Magnetic Tweezers for the Measurement of Twist and Torque
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Cited by 16 •
2014
Magnetic tweezers, a powerful single-molecule manipulation technique, can be adapted for the direct measurements of the twist (using a configuration called freely-orbiting magnetic tweezers) and torque (using a configuration termed magnetic torque tweezers) in biological macromolecules. Guidelines for performing such measurements are given, including applications to the study of DNA and associated nucleo-protein filaments.
10:08
Multiplexed Single-molecule Force Proteolysis Measurements Using Magnetic Tweezers
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Cited by 2 •
2012
In this article we describe the use of magnetic tweezers to study the effect of force on enzymatic proteolysis at the single molecule level in a highly parallelizable manner.
10:45
Using Laser Tweezers For Manipulating Isolated Neurons In Vitro
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Cited by 2 •
2008
This video describes the manipulation of cultured neurons using laser tweezers in vitro.
07:20
Amide Coupling Reaction for the Synthesis of Bispyridine-based Ligands and Their Complexation to Platinum as Dinuclear Anticancer Agents
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Cited by 1 •
2014
This protocol describes the use of amide coupling reactions of isonicotinic acid and diaminoalkanes to form bridging ligands suitable for use in the synthesis of multinuclear platinum complexes, which combine aspects of the anticancer drugs BBR3464 and picoplatin.
08:48
Stretching Short Sequences of DNA with Constant Force Axial Optical Tweezers
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Cited by 5 •
2011
We illustrate the use of a constant force axial optical tweezers to explore the mechanical properties of short DNA molecules. By stretching DNA axially, we minimize steric hindrances and artifacts arising in conventional lateral manipulation, allowing us to study DNA molecules as short as ~100 nm.
FAQs
Chemical resistance helps the tips remain suitable when they contact materials that could otherwise promote unwanted chemical interactions. Platinum tweezers also tolerate sterilization and repeated use, allowing laboratories to maintain a consistent handling tool across procedures. In neuroscience workflows, that combination is valuable when preparing biological samples or manipulating equipment where contamination or material changes could compromise experimental integrity.
Electrical conductivity adds a material property that matters when the instrument handles electrodes or other sensitive components used in electrophysiological experiments. It does not replace the component's intended electrical function; instead, it supports handling within a setup where electrical materials are present. Combined with chemical resistance, conductivity helps reduce the chance that the tool itself introduces material-related interference during preparation or positioning.
The fine tips support controlled contact with small or delicate targets rather than broad, imprecise handling. This is important when a researcher must grasp or reposition neural tissue, a small specimen, or a sensitive component without adding unnecessary contact from a larger instrument. Tip precision therefore contributes to controlled sample preparation and microsurgical manipulation, where preserving the target's condition is central.
A practical workflow is to select the tweezers for the target, use the fine tips to grasp or position it, and release it once placement is controlled. When procedures require sterile handling, the instrument can undergo sterilization, and its tolerance for repeated use supports reuse across laboratory work. This sequence applies to sample preparation, microsurgery, and positioning of electrophysiology-related components.
In neuroscience, platinum tweezers can support several distinct tasks rather than one specialized assay. Researchers may use them during neural-tissue preparation, manipulation of small biological specimens, microsurgical procedures, or handling of electrodes and other sensitive equipment for electrophysiological experiments. The common advantage is precise physical control while limiting contamination and unwanted interactions that could affect studies of neural structure or function.
These instruments are most useful when the handling tool could otherwise become an experimental variable. Their nonreactive tips help limit unwanted chemical interactions, while sterilization tolerance and repeated usability support consistent laboratory practice. For neuroscience experiments, the resulting control can help preserve sample-preparation quality and reduce material-related interference, making observations of neural structure and function less vulnerable to problems introduced during handling.