Building a nanostructure with reversible motions using photonic energy

ACS Nano. 2012 Sep 25;6(9):7935-41. doi: 10.1021/nn302388e. Epub 2012 Jul 26.

Abstract

Recently, the specific hybridization of DNA molecules has been used to construct self-assembled devices, such as the mechanical device to mimic cellular protein motors in nature. Here, we present a new light-powered DNA mechanical device based on the photoisomerization of azobenzene moieties and toehold-mediated strand displacement. This autonomous and controllable device is capable of moving toward either end of the track, simply by switching the wavelength of light irradiation, either UV (365 nm) or visible (>450 nm). This light-controlled strategy can easily solve one main technical challenge for stepwise walking devices: the selection of routes in multipath systems. The principle employed in this study, photoisomerization-induced toehold length switching, could be further useful in the design of other mechanical devices, with the ultimate goal of rivaling molecular motors for cargo transport and macroscopic movement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biomimetic Materials / radiation effects
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / radiation effects*
  • DNA / ultrastructure
  • Energy Transfer
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / radiation effects*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / ultrastructure
  • Motion
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / radiation effects*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Particle Size
  • Photons

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • DNA