Deciphering the scaling of single-molecule interactions using Jarzynski’s equality

Sangeetha Raman, Thomas Utzig, Theodoros Baimpos, Buddha Ratna Shrestha and Markus Valtiner ()
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Sangeetha Raman: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Thomas Utzig: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Theodoros Baimpos: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Buddha Ratna Shrestha: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Markus Valtiner: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Unravelling the complexity of the macroscopic world relies on understanding the scaling of single-molecule interactions towards integral macroscopic interactions. Here, we demonstrate the scaling of single acid–amine interactions through a synergistic experimental approach combining macroscopic surface forces apparatus experiments and single-molecule force spectroscopy. This experimental framework is ideal for testing the well-renowned Jarzynski’s equality, which relates work performed under non-equilibrium conditions with equilibrium free energy. Macroscopic equilibrium measurements scale linearly with the number density of interfacial bonds, providing acid–amine interaction energies of 10.9±0.2 kT. Irrespective of how far from equilibrium single-molecule experiments are performed, the Jarzynski’s free energy converges to 11±1 kT. Our results validate the applicability of Jarzynski’s equality to unravel the scaling of non-equilibrium single-molecule experiments to scenarios where large numbers of molecules interacts simultaneously in equilibrium. The developed scaling strategy predicts large-scale properties such as adhesion or cell–cell interactions on the basis of single-molecule measurements.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6539

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