Scientists create DNA engine that can be observed in real-time
By ANIMonday, February 7, 2011
LONDON - Scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have succeeded in creating a programable molecular transport system, the workings of which can be observed in real time.
The results could lead to the development of advanced drug delivery methods and molecular manufacturing systems.
The system relies on the self-assembly properties of DNA origami and consists of a 100 nm track together with a motor and fuel. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the research team was able to observe in real time as this motor traveled the full length of the track at a constant average speed of around 0.1 nm/s.
“The track and motor interact to generate forward motion in the motor. By varying the distance between the rail ‘ties,’ for example, we can adjust the speed of this motion,” explained Dr. Masayuki Endo of Kyoto University.
The research team expects that these results will have broad implications for future development of programable molecular assembly lines leading to the creation of synthetic ribosomes.
“DNA origami techniques allow us to build nano- and meso-sized structures with great precision,” elaborated iCeMS Prof. Hiroshi Sugiyama.
“We already envision more complex track geometries of greater length and even including junctions. Autonomous, molecular manufacturing robots are a possible outcome.”
The study appears in Nature Nanotechnology. (ANI)
