Constructing Organic/Inorganic NEMS Devices Powered by Biomolecular Motors

Authors: Bachand, G.D.; Montemagno, C.D.

Source: Biomedical Microdevices, Volume 2, Number 3, 1 June 2000 , pp. 179-184(6)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

The recognition of many enzymes as nanoscale molecular motors has opened the door for the potential creation of hybrid organic/inorganic nano-electro-mechanical (NEMS) devices. The long-term objective of this research is the integration of F_1-ATPase with NEMS to produce useful nanoscale devices. A thermostable F_1-ATPase coding sequence has been isolated, cloned, and engineered for high-level protein expression. Precise positioning, orientation, and spacing of individual F_1-ATPase molecules were achieved on patterned nickel arrays produced using electron beam lithography. An efficient and accurate assay was developed to evaluate the performance of individual F_1-ATPase motors, and confirmed a three-step mechanism of γ subunit rotation during ATP hydrolysis. Further assessment of the biophysical and bioengineering properties of F_1-ATPase currently are being conducted, as well as the construction of a hybrid NEMS device powered by F_1-ATPase. The evolution of this technology will permit the creation of novel classes of nanoscale, hybrid devices.

Keywords: Biological motors; F-ATPase; biomotors; nanofabrication; electron beam lithography; differential interferometry

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Publication date: 2000-06-01