DNA-based electric motor

DNA nanomotor

First DNA nanomotor. They created a pedestal and rotor arm using DNA. “Nature” reports that electricity rotates the DNA rotor in one way. Nano-electric motor drives nano-processes and chemical reactions.

Motors have long decreased human labor. They convert energy into small movement. One-nanometer and DNA nanomotors are available. Chemical energy, not electrical, powers them.

Anna-Katharina Pumm of TU Munich constructed a DNA electric motor. The molecular motor was built using DNA origami. Several long DNA strands provide the structure to which complementary DNA sections bind. Attachments and folding produce molecular structures.

We’ve used this technique for years to construct molecular switches and virus-catching hollows. Munich’s Hendrik Dietz believes matched DNA strands self-assemble in solution.

Three DNA motor components were origami-made. 40-nanometer bases are polyethylene glycol-bonded to glass plates. 13-nanometer DNA platform links to 500-nanometer DNA rotor arm. Intermediate element structure affects engine function.

DNA motors ratchet. Platform impediments limit the arm’s rotation. Without a power supply, solvent molecules cause the rotor to spin erratically and uncontrolled. AC voltage between two electrodes rotates the arm. Changing the field and voltage controls spin speed and direction.

Ramin Golestanian, a Max Planck Institute co-author, says the new motor is unmatched. “10 piconewton-by-nanometer torque is conceivable. Two ATP molecules split faster than one.

Future motors might convert electrical to chemical energy, say scientists. “ATP-like chemical reactions may be induced.” Dietz claims such motors may densely cover surfaces. “Given raw ingredients and AC power, motors make the needed chemical compound.”

Contact Us