Abstract: This disclosure related to methods of detecting mechanical forces required to separate ligand and receptor interactions. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods of detecting mechanical forces between a ligand and receptor, where the ligand is immobilized on a surface using weaker forces. Ligand-receptor forces lead to dissociation of the ligand that can be detected and amplified. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of detecting ligand and receptor interactions comprising linking a ligand to one of two binding partners, wherein the binding partners have attracting forces that are less than the forces between the ligand and a receptor of the ligand such that when the ligand binds the receptor, the binding partners will separate. Separation of the binding partners can be detected.

Abstract: This disclosure related to methods of detecting mechanical forces required to separate ligand and receptor interactions. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods of detecting mechanical forces between a ligand and receptor, where the ligand is immobilized on a surface using weaker forces. Ligand-receptor forces lead to dissociation of the ligand that can be detected and amplified. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of detecting ligand and receptor interactions comprising linking a ligand to one of two binding partners, wherein the binding partners have attracting forces that are less than the forces between the ligand and a receptor of the ligand such that when the ligand binds the receptor, the binding partners will separate. Separation of the binding partners can be detected.