Protein Linear Molecular Motor-Powered Nanodevices

Abstract

Myosin-actin and kinesin-microtubule linear protein motor systems and their application in hybrid nanodevices are reviewed. Research during the past several decades has provided a wealth of understanding about the fundamentals of protein motors that continues to be pursued. It has also laid the foundations for a new branch of investigation that considers the application of these motors as key functional elements in laboratory-on-a-chip and other micro/nanodevices. Current models of myosin and kinesin motors are introduced and the effects of motility assay parameters, including temperature, toxicity, and in particular, surface effects on motor protein operation, are discussed. These parameters set the boundaries for gliding and bead motility assays. The review describes recent developments in assay motility confinement and unidirectional control, using micro-and nano-fabricated structures, surface patterning, microfluidic flow, electromagnetic fields, and self-assembled actin filament/microtubule tracks. Current protein motor assays are primitive devices, and the developments in governing control can lead to promising applications such as sensing, nano-mechanical drivers, and biocomputation.

Design of Complex Biologically Based Nanoscale Systems Using Multi-Agent Simulations and Structure–Behavior–Function Representations

“…Solutions to these complex problems often resemble natural system functioning [3], such as the hierarchical organizations of cells and tissues, and there is great potential for engineers to learn from, and utilize, natural systems toward the advancement of nanotechnology [4]. For instance, natural motor proteins [5] have efficiencies much greater than synthetic nanomachines and are therefore often re-implemented in nanotechnologies including responsive materials [6], lab-on-chips [7], and molecular detectors [8].…”

Dynamic photo-control of kinesin on a photoisomerizable monolayer – hydrolysis rate of ATP and motility of microtubules depending on the terminal group

“…11 It is already known 105 that in order to get the proper orientation and to avoid inactivation of kinesin, blocking proteins such as casein, streptavidin, bovine serum albumin are adsorbed first on the substrate. [48][49][50][51] But in the present study we systematically removed (1) the blocking proteins and introduced kinesin directly on the photoresponsive azobenzene monolayer. Since there is no blocking protein, we first confirmed the kinesin activity with observable microtubule speed by measuring the average speed of a large population of microtubules.…”

What are proteins teaching us on fundamental strategies for molecular nanotechnology?

“…The self-assembling property of peptides and proteins can be used for creating structures up to the micron range [105]. The use of regular protein assemblies in cellular nanomotors is particularly promising for mechanical nanoactuation [106]. Despite the use of lower levels of molecular building blocks, the application of naturally completed assemblies seems to be an attractive way for the development of new materials and devices, e.g., by using complete viruses [107].…”