Autonomous Synergic Control of Nanomotors

Abstract

Control is a hallmark of machines; effective control over a nanoscale system is necessary to turn it into a nanomachine. Nanomotors from biology often integrate a ratchet-like passive control and a power-stroke-like active control, and this synergic active-plus-passive control is critical to efficient utilization of energy. It remains a challenge to integrate the two differing types of control in rationally designed nanomotor systems. Recently a light-powered track-walking DNA nanomotor was developed from a bioinspired design principle that has the potential to integrate both controls. However, it is difficult to separate experimental signals for either control due to a tight coupling of both controls. Here we present a systematic study of the motor and new derivatives using different fluorescence labeling schemes and light operations. The experimental data suggest that the motor achieves the two controls autonomously through a mechanics-mediated symmetry breaking. This study presents an experimental validation for the bioinspired design principle of mechanical breaking of symmetry for synergic ratchet-plus-power stroke control. Augmented by mechanical and kinetic modeling, this experimental study provides mechanistic insights that may help advance molecular control in future nanotechnological systems.

Self‐Propelled Micro/Nanomotors for Sensing and Environmental Remediation

“…Light also is an interesting stimulus for motion of micro/nanomotors, due to the wireless control and remote propagation, precise adjusted energy input, and reversible ON/OFF radiation state . Various types of light‐driven micro/nanomotors were developed such as molecular motors, liquid droplets, solid materials, and DNA‐based motors . These micro/nanomotors can be used for reactions in liquid, air and liquid/solid interfaces .…”

“…[41] Various types of lightdriven micro/nanomotors were developed such as molecular motors, [42,43] liquid droplets, [44,45] solid materials, [46,47] and DNAbased motors. [48][49][50] These micro/nanomotors can be used for reactions in liquid, [51] air [52] and liquid/solid interfaces. [46] Heat also can be used to regulate the motion of micro/nanomotors.…”

A Force to Be Reckoned With: A Review of Synthetic Microswimmers Powered by Ultrasound

“…Thus far, environmental cues such as chemical gradients and chemical reactions, magnetic, electric, light, sound, and temperature gradients have been successfully used to power synthetic nano‐ and microswimmers. However, very few of them meet the requirements of the ideal energy source for powering nano‐/microscale machines, especially for biomedical applications which are most heatedly anticipated for these devices.…”

Gate tunable quantum oscillations in air-stable and high mobility few-layer phosphorene heterostructures

“…Phosphorene is single-or few-layers of black phosphorus [1][2][3][4][5][6] that is the most stable form of phosphorus. Apart from carbon, it is the only known element with a stable layered allotrope.…”