Efficient designs for powering microscale devices with nanoscale biomolecular motors
Journal
Small
Journal Volume
2
Journal Issue
2
Pages
281-287
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
Current MEMS and microfluidic designs require external power sources and actuators, which principally limit such technology. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a number of microfluidic systems into which we can seamlessly integrate a biomolecular motor, kinesin, that transports microtubules by extracting chemical energy from its aqueous working environment. Here we establish that our microfabricated structures, the self-assembly of the bio-derived transducer, and guided, unidirectional transport of microtubules are ideally suited to create engineered arrays for efficiently powering nano- and microscale devices.
Subjects
Bionanotechnology; Kinesin; Microfluidic systems; Molecular motors
Type
journal article