Constructing Nanoscale Molecule Sorters Powered by F1-ATPase Motors

Cornell Univ - State: Awds Made Prior May 2010, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

The primary objective of the proposed research is to construct a nanoscale molecule sorter powered by F1-ATPase (see illustration below). Five milestone goals have been established as part of this overall objective: 1.) Evaluate the physical and chemical properties affecting the binding/elution of target molecules to the collector; 2.) Design and fabricate the collector portion of the molecule sorter, and demonstrate its ability to specifically bind molecules; 3.) Design and fabricate the storage portion of the collector; 4.) Integrate of F1-ATPase with fabricated structures to assemble the final molecule sorter; and 5.) Demonstrate the functionality of the integrated molecule sorter, and evaluate its performance and efficiency. The molecule sorter will consist of two parts: the active collector and the connected storage units. The engineered nanoscale collector will be coated with a-green fluorescent protein (GFP) IgG molecules, and will be actuated by F1-ATPase motors positioned in nickel posts. This collector unit will remove GFP from the surrounding solution, and transfer them into the storage units (containing an oil-based medium) through changes in hydrophobicity and electrical potential at the liquid interface. Connective conduits lined with electrodes will generate an electric gradient, and thus act as an osmotic pump to concentrate GFP in the end reservoirs. The rate and efficiency of collection will be evaluated using fluorescent imaging of the end reservoirs. Construction of this device will establish an adaptable system for constructing intracellular-based molecule sorters capable of directly interfacing and utilizing cell physiological responses