Surface Force Apparatus (SFA)

Contact: Kenny, Sindhu, Venkat, Matt

The SFA is a sensitive technique for measuring the range and magnitude of the molecular forces between two curved surfaces. This instrument quantifies intersurface separation with a resolution of 0.1nm, and the force measurement sensitivity is sufficient to quantify intermolecular interactions with energies as low as 0.6kcal/mole.

In our lab, the SFA is used to measure the range and magnitude of the forces between membrane-supported proteins. We also use this approach to study the interfacial properties of materials such as water soluble polymers that are used in drug delivery and implants.

Current research is exploring mechanisms of recognition and adhesion between the cell surface adhesion proteins, cadherins. In addition, we are investigating mechanisms of pattern recognition by multivalent receptors in innate immunity.