The program in Molecular Motors holds promise for delivering a novel class of nanoscale devices that are capable of providing rotational or linear movement. Nature is replete with many cellular organelles and other components that are capable of moving including flagella and actin filaments. These provide the inspiration, and in many cases the biological components, for nanofabricating molecular motors. The critical elements in molecular motors are the components to mediate the movement and a fuel to power the catalytic reactions that give rise to the translocation event.
Challenges exist in the fabrication of nanoscale components to interface with the biological parts.
Anchoring the biological components is necessary to provide the leverage necessary for movement. Patterning of chemically reactive regions in a precise nanoscale array will be explored. Novel materials will be utilized that will facilitate the crafting of these support platforms and will also be compatible with the biological components. Biological components will be engineered and produced using recombinant systems, in some cases being specifically tailored by site directed genetic changes. Precise and site specific attachment of the biological components to the support platforms will affect the motor performance.