Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:00
DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
A semiflexible polymer ring acting as a nano-propeller
1Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan. hwada@yukawa.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The European Physical Journal. E, Soft Matter
|January 14, 2009
Summary
A rotating elastic nano-ring in fluid generates helical deformation for directed propulsion, independent of rotation direction. Propulsion force and efficiency peak before a buckling transition, offering insights for micro-devices.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Elasticity
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Understanding the behavior of elastic structures in viscous fluids is crucial for micro-device development.
- Externally driven elastic filaments can exhibit complex dynamic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the propulsion dynamics of a rotating elastic nano-ring in a viscous fluid.
- To explore the relationship between applied torque, ring deformation, and propulsive force.
Main Methods:
- Elasto-hydrodynamic simulations were employed to model the system.
- The study analyzed the excitation of helical deformations and their impact on motion.
Main Results:
- A helical deformation is excited in the nano-ring, leading to directed propulsion.
- Propulsion force and efficiency increase with torque until a critical buckling transition.
- The propulsion is independent of the direction of rotation.
Conclusions:
- The circular geometry of the elastic filament enables unique propulsive behavior at shape transitions.
- These findings have potential implications for the design of artificial microscopic devices.
Related Concept Videos
01:39Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
02:15The Contractile Ring
Contractile rings are composed of microfilaments and are responsible for separating the daughter cells during cytokinesis. Contractile ring assembly proceeds along with other cell cycle events; however, very few mechanistic details are known about the timing and coordination of the contractile rings with the cell cycle.
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
A small GTPase, RhoA, controls the function and assembly of the contractile ring. RhoA belongs to the Ras superfamily of proteins. The activation of formins by RhoA promotes...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
02:34Polymers
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
01:16Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
Ring-opening metathesis polymerization or ROMP involves strained cycloalkenes as starting materials. The mechanism of ROMP proceeds by reacting cycloalkene with Grubbs catalyst to give metallacyclobutane intermediate which undergoes a ring-opening reaction to form new carbene. The new carbene reacts with another molecule of cycloalkene. Repetition of these steps leads to the formation of an unsaturated open-chain polymer product. All these steps are reversible, however, relieving the ring...