Self-contained, biomolecular motor-driven protein sorting and concentrating in an ultrasensitive microfluidic chip
Journal
Nano Letters
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
4
Pages
1041-1046
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
We developed a molecular sorter that operates without external power or control by integrating the microtubule-based, biological motor klnesin into a microfluidic channel network to sort, transport, and concentrate molecules. In our devices, functlonalized microtubules that capture analyte molecules are steered along kinesin-coated microchannel tracks toward a collector structure, concentrated, and trapped. Using fluorescent analyte molecules and nanoliter sample volumes, we demonstrated 14 fM sensitivity, even In the presence of high concentrations of other proteins.
Type
journal article