DNA molecular motors

Friedrich C. Simmel; Bernard Yurke

doi:10.1117/12.429683

14 June 2001 DNA molecular motors

Friedrich C. Simmel, Bernard Yurke

Proceedings Volume 4332, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.429683
Event: SPIE's 8th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 2001, Newport Beach, CA, United States

Abstract

Due to its simple and predictable molecular recognition chemistry, DNA is a versatile self-assembly molecule. Two strands of DNA most strongly bind together to form a double helix only when their base sequences are complementary. Here we show how this construction rule can be used to induce nanoscale motion. In particular, we have devised two DNA-based molecular motors powered by DNA. Both consist of two double-stranded arms held together at one end by a single-stranded flexible hinge. One motor, referred to as molecular tweezers, has two single-stranded extensions at the ends of the arms, which serve as handles used to pull the tweezers shut. The tweezers are closed when a particular piece of single-stranded DNA, called the fuel strand, hybridizes with the handles. In the other motor, referred to as an actuator, the single-stranded extensions are joined together so that the motor forms a loop-like structure. The fuel strand hybridizing with the actuator pushes the two arms apart. Both motors are returned to their original configuration by a removal strand which binds to a single-stranded overhang of the fuel strand and then removes the fuel strand from the motor strand by the process of branch migration.

Citation Download Citation

Friedrich C. Simmel and Bernard Yurke "DNA molecular motors", Proc. SPIE 4332, Smart Structures and Materials 2001: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (14 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.429683

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available