Self-assembly of magnetically-functionalized molecular motors and microtubules into active gels

Abstract

Strategy to functionalize and manipulate active microtubule-based structures upon magnetic actuation. Engineered protein ferritins were used as magnetic labels to target Eg5 kinesin motors and generate a magnetic-responsive gel.

Near-Infrared Light-Steered Graphene Aerogel Micromotor with High Speed and Precise Navigation for Active Transport and Microassembly

“…In the process of assembly, the basic building blocks organize or aggregate into a stable, regular geometry structure under noncovalent bond-based interactions in a controlled manner. In the biological system, the diversity of species achieved by various living cell architectures results from the collective behavior of biological motors . Herein, we make use of these RGOAMs with directional movement to assemble into different-shaped arrays, including parallelogram, linear, square, pentagon, rhombus, and rectangle arrays, as depicted in Figure A (Video S6).…”

“…In the biological system, the diversity of species achieved by various living cell architectures results from the collective behavior of biological motors. 45 Herein, we make use of these RGOAMs with directional movement to assemble into different-shaped arrays, including parallelogram, linear, square, pentagon, rhombus, and rectangle arrays, as depicted in Figure 6A (Video S6). The process of array formation can be guided by the external light field, and the uniformity and positioning of the assembled pattern can also be controlled on demand.…”