Unfolding force definition and the unified model for the mean unfolding force dependence on the loading rate

Abstract

In single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments, the dependence of the mean unfolding force on the loading rate is used for obtaining information about the energetic and dynamic properties of the system under study. However, it is crucial to understand that different dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) models are applicable in different regimes, and that different definitions of the unfolding force might be used in those models. Here, for the first time, we discuss three definitions of the unfolding force. We carried out Brownian dynamics simulations in order to demonstrate the difference between these definitions and compare DFS models. Importantly, we derive the dependence of the mean unfolding force for the whole range of the loading rates by unifying three previously reported DFS models. Among the currently available models, this unified model shows the best agreement with the simulated data.