Optimal evaluation of single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments

TL;DR

This paper presents a framework for optimally analyzing single-molecule force spectroscopy data to estimate model parameters and assess the distinguishability of different theoretical models based on experimental rupture force data.

Contribution

It introduces a general method for utilizing rupture force data to estimate model parameters and compare different models in single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments.

Findings

Framework enables optimal parameter estimation from rupture data

Method assesses the feasibility of distinguishing models with realistic data

Applicable to various theoretical models of bond rupture

Abstract

The forced rupture of single chemical bonds under external load is addressed. A general framework is put forward to optimally utilize the experimentally observed rupture force data for estimating the parameters of a theoretical model. As an application we explore to what extent a distinction between several recently proposed models is feasible on the basis of realistic experimental data sets.