Proposal for unfolding single biomolecules in an ion trap

The functionality of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates are driven by both their chemical composition and conformation. Ion trap mass spectrometry of large biomolecules is a well-established technique for primary sequence determination (composition) and is finding increasing use in investigating higher-order structure (conformation). Confining single isolated biomolecules in a ion trap provides a uniquely adaptable environment in which to investigate higher-order structure through manipulation of the surrounding solvent cage, temperature, and net charge at the single quantum level. We propose continuously observing these conformational changes in-trap though optical fluorescence techniques developed for in-vitro and in-vivo studies including F\"{o}rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and super-resolution microscopy.