XYZ on a Chip: Biomolecular Motor/Nanotube Integration for Actuator Nanotechnology

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC

Investigators

Abstract

0088509 Superfine The goal of this research is to study the control over molecular motors with an engineering applications perspective, exploring ways in which these machines can be used in designed systems, e. g., the synthesis and delivery of pharmacological agents. The specific goals of this research are to: (1) demonstrate the control of the patterning of motor raceways as functioning tracks for the motion of motor proteins, (2) study the two main classes of proteins actin/myosin and microtubule/kinesin to understand their relative merits towards nanotechnology applications, (3) study the application of single motors and collections of motor proteins, (4) study the coupling of nanotubes to electrical circuitry through electro/dielectrokinesis at the nonometer scale, and (5) understand a processing methodology for incorporating nanometer scale ebeam lithography, nanotube placement/growth, patterned chemical functionalization and motor binding and motility. This award is co-funded by the Division of Engineering Education and Centers, the Division of Chemical and Transport Systems, and the Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems.