Tweezepy: A Python package for calibrating forces in single-molecule video-tracking experiments.

TitleTweezepy: A Python package for calibrating forces in single-molecule video-tracking experiments.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsMorgan, Ian L., and Omar A. Saleh
JournalPLoS One
Volume16
Issue12
Paginatione0262028
Date Published2021
ISSN1932-6203
KeywordsCalibration, Fourier Analysis, Gravitation, Least-Squares Analysis, Likelihood Functions, Magnetics, Mechanical Phenomena, Models, Statistical, Monte Carlo Method, Motion, Normal Distribution, Optical Tweezers, Polymers, Programming Languages, Single Molecule Imaging, Software, Torque
Abstract

Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) instruments (e.g., magnetic and optical tweezers) often use video tracking to measure the three-dimensional position of micron-scale beads under an applied force. The force in these experiments is calibrated by comparing the bead trajectory to a thermal motion-based model with the drag coefficient, γ, and trap spring constant, κ, as parameters. Estimating accurate parameters is complicated by systematic biases from spectral distortions, the camera exposure time, parasitic noise, and least-squares fitting methods. However, while robust calibration methods exist that correct for these biases, they are not always used because they can be complex to implement computationally. To address this barrier, we present Tweezepy: a Python package for calibrating forces in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Tweezepy uses maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to estimate parameters and their uncertainties from a single bead trajectory via the power spectral density (PSD) and Allan variance (AV). It is well-documented, fast, easy to use, and accounts for most common sources of biases in SMFS video-tracking experiments. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of Tweezepy's calibration scheme, including a review of the theory underlying thermal motion-based parameter estimates, a discussion of the PSD, AV, and MLE, and an explanation of their implementation.

DOI10.1371/journal.pone.0262028
Alternate JournalPLoS One
PubMed ID34972160
PubMed Central IDPMC8719779