Proton pumps: mechanism of action and applications.
Recent progress in understanding the molecular structures and mechanisms of action of proton pumps has paved the way to their novel applications in biotechnology. Proton pumps, bacteriorhodopsin and ATP synthases in particular, are capable of continuous, renewable conversion of light to chemical, mechanical or electrical energy, which can be used in macro- or nano-scale devices. The capability of protein systems incorporated into liposomes to generate ATP, which can be used to drive chemical reactions and to act as molecular motors has been already demonstrated. Other possible applications of such biochemical devices include targeted drug delivery and biocatalytic reactors. All these devices might prove superior to their inorganic alternatives.
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4560, USA.
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JK
Lanyi
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Pohorille
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism; D001692:Biological Transport; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D015202:Protein Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D017494:Proton Pumps / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*
D017494:Proton Pumps; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate