Scope
Reference
LUV01414
Description
The University of Leicester, School of Chemistry, is expanding its capabilities for studying the dynamics of single biomolecules. To support this work, funding has been secured from BBSRC to procure a highly specialised instrument: the C-Trap Dymo 400 Optical Tweezers-Fluorescence Microscope, manufactured by Lumicks B.V.. This instrument integrates cutting-edge optical trapping, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and laminar flow microfluidics into a single, coherent system.
The C-Trap® Dymo 400 will be installed at the University to support high-precision, realtime studies of molecular interactions, particularly in areas involving DNA-protein complexes, RNA structures, ubiquitin structures and cytoskeletal filament dynamics. It includes multi-colour confocal fluorescence (488, 561, 638 nm), dual force detection (x,y), short tether capabilities, microfluidics, and full system integration with proprietary Bluelake software, all required to maintain the scientific edge of our ongoing biophysical and molecular biology research.
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Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £988,570 excluding VAT
- £988,570 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
28 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 31 July 2026
- 8 months
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
Contract locations
- UKF21 - Leicester
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
This procurement is being undertaken via a single-source route due to the unique technical capabilities of the C-Trap® Dymo 400 and the exclusive rights held by its manufacturer, LUMICKS B.V..
The unique elements of this are:
• Optical tweezers encompassing multiple trapping sites (4),
• Multi-colour confocal fluorescence microscopy, and
• Multi-channel laminar flow microfluidics.
These technologies are protected by several granted patents, including: US9952421,
EP3256254B1 (optical traps), US9766180, EP3004848B1 (fluorescence imaging),
S11156513B2 (optical force measurement) and EP3737756B1 (DNA supercoiling).
No other commercially available instrument can provide simultaneous, correlated force-distance-fluorescence measurements with the required resolution and sensitivity.
Key performance features exclusive to the C-Trap include:
• Force resolution 0.1 pN and drift stability 0.3 pN over 2 minutes
• Confocal localisation precision 15 nm
• Real-time imaging of single molecules under physiological flow conditions
• Escape force 1000 pN, allowing for broad biological applicability
• Integrated hardware/software for fast setup and automated experimental workflows.
Additionally, the system includes a complete service and application support package, exclusive training kits, and proprietary components that are not available from any other provider.
Supplier
Lumicks B.V.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQC-7912-PDQN
Paalbergweg 3
Amsterdam
1105AG
Netherlands
Email: m.brettpitt@lumicks.com
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
University of Leicester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPNM-4297-VLCH
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH
United Kingdom
Region: UKF21 - Leicester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government