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Our genes now not only encode life, but are also the basis for a tiny nanomotor.
Molecular engineers have developed an incredibly small mechanism similar to molecular robots that can move and work in concert. The project was led by Peter Schultz of Arizona State University, Michael Famulok of the University of Bonn, and Nils Walter of the University of Michigan.
The team developed a 70 nm × 70 nm × 12 nm DNA-based nanomotor that uses chemical energy to create controlled, rhythmic movement. This breakthrough shows the potential for creating precise devices at the nanoscale with applications in various fields such as nanotechnology, medicine, and materials science.
The structure of this nanomotor consists of almost 14,000 nucleotides, the basic structural units of DNA. Schultz stressed that without the oxDNA computer model that their group uses, it would be impossible to simulate the movement of such a large nanostructure. "This is the first time that we have managed to create a chemically activated motor based on DNA. We look forward to building even more sophisticated nanodevices in the future," he said.
The mechanism of the nanomotor works on the principle of a simulator to strengthen the grip strength, but its size is a million times smaller. It consists of two handles connected by a V-shaped spring. Scientists were able to control the device by squeezing the handles against the resistance of the spring. Schultz also compared the process to a Lego game, where each block is only a few nanometers in size. Promising applications in this field include diagnostics, therapeutics, molecular robotics, and the creation of new materials.
The study was published on October 19 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
Molecular engineers have developed an incredibly small mechanism similar to molecular robots that can move and work in concert. The project was led by Peter Schultz of Arizona State University, Michael Famulok of the University of Bonn, and Nils Walter of the University of Michigan.
The team developed a 70 nm × 70 nm × 12 nm DNA-based nanomotor that uses chemical energy to create controlled, rhythmic movement. This breakthrough shows the potential for creating precise devices at the nanoscale with applications in various fields such as nanotechnology, medicine, and materials science.
The structure of this nanomotor consists of almost 14,000 nucleotides, the basic structural units of DNA. Schultz stressed that without the oxDNA computer model that their group uses, it would be impossible to simulate the movement of such a large nanostructure. "This is the first time that we have managed to create a chemically activated motor based on DNA. We look forward to building even more sophisticated nanodevices in the future," he said.
The mechanism of the nanomotor works on the principle of a simulator to strengthen the grip strength, but its size is a million times smaller. It consists of two handles connected by a V-shaped spring. Scientists were able to control the device by squeezing the handles against the resistance of the spring. Schultz also compared the process to a Lego game, where each block is only a few nanometers in size. Promising applications in this field include diagnostics, therapeutics, molecular robotics, and the creation of new materials.
The study was published on October 19 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
