Herding nanotransporters: localized activation via release and sequestration of control molecules.
A challenge for nanotechnology is the dynamic and specific control of nanomachines by the user. Molecular shuttles, consisting of cargo-binding microtubules propelled by surface-immobilized kinesin motor proteins, are an example of a nanoscale system that ideally can be selectively activated at programmable locations and times. Here we discuss a biomimetic solution where activating molecules are delivered locally via photolysis of a caged compound and subsequently sequestered in an enzymatic network. The controlled sequestration of the activator not only creates a rapid deactivation when the stimulus is removed but also sharpens the concentration profile of the rapidly diffusing activator. This improvement comes at the expense of a reduced efficiency in the utilization of the activator molecules, suggesting that these nanosystems are most efficiently addressed as a swarm rather than as individuals. Our work represents a step toward transferring the cellular control strategies of molecular activation to bionanotechnology.
Tucker
Robert
R
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-6400, USA.
Katira
Parag
P
Hess
Henry
H
D000818:Animals; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster; D004798:Enzymes / Q000737:chemistry; D016547:Kinesins / Q000737:chemistry; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D049329:Nanostructures; D021381:Protein Transport; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D004798:Enzymes; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D016547:Kinesins