Fluidic supramolecular nano- and microfibres as molecular rails for regulated movement of nanosubstances

Abstract

Nano-and micro-sized fi brous architectures are ubiquitous in nature; in particular, microtubules have an essential role within live cells, as tracks for transporting objects to a desired place, driven by molecular motors such as dynein and kinesin. Such functions of bionanofi bres motivated us to construct an artifi cial supramolecular rail using the fl uidic property of self-assembled glycolipid nanofi bres. Artifi cial supramolecular nanofi bres constructed through molecular selfassembly of small molecules have recently attracted considerable attention for their unique properties, such as reversible formation / destruction under mild conditions and various stimuli responsiveness. In this paper, we show that a supramolecular nanofi bre has suffi cient fl uidity, on the basis of its non-crystalline nature, to function as a molecular track for the directional movement of attached molecules, proteins and nanobeads along the fi bre.

Carbon nanotube–liposome supramolecular nanotrains for intelligent molecular-transport systems

“…This study represents an important advance in the creation of programmable and adaptable nanobiosystems. The application of micro-nanobots in micro-nanofabricated environments is an exciting development234567891011. Our technology is also going to offer novel possibilities for future developments in lab-on-a-chip applications, such as medical diagnosis, sensors, bionic computers and artificial biological networks.…”

“…Over the past few decades, there has been a strong interest in the development of molecular-transport systems using microorganisms2, naturally occurring biomolecular motors34 and synthetic micro-nanoscale robots (micro-nanobots)5678. However, the following key technologies are not sufficiently developed to realize optimum performance from the transportation method: directional propagation of transporters491011, controlled release8 of carrier molecules and transmission/reception systems (artificial molecular signalling; expression of significant biochemical reactions in the targeted sites) for transferred carrier molecules36.…”

The Power of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Supramolecular Chemistry: In situ Real‐time Imaging of Stimuli‐Responsive Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels

“…The recovery curve gives the diffusion coefficient and mobile fraction. In 2010, we analyzed the fluidic properties of glycolipid‐based supramolecular nanofibers co‐assembled with a fluorescent glycolipid analogue by FRAP (Figure b) . This nanofiber showed immediate recovery of the fluorescent intensity and the diffusion coefficient was estimated to be 0.12±0.03 μm 2 s −1 , which is comparable to that of a biomembrane .…”

Flowing microenvironments regulate the helical pitch of a semi-artificial polymer

“…The orientations of polymers under laminar flow-a nonequilibrium environment on the microscale-are strongly affected by the shear force generated, regardless of their chemical structure. 2,3 Recently, we demonstrated the unique self-assembly behavior of a natural polysaccharide having a regular helical structure aligned Schematic representation of the extension of CUR-Chl in a microflow channel. (c) Present concept described herein: adjustable molecular recognition ability depending on degree of energy input (flow rates), and kinetic trapping of temporally extended helical structures.…”