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Nonbubble-Propelled Biodegradable Microtube Motors Consisting Only of Protein
Natsuho Sugai1, Yoshitsugu Morita1, Teruyuki Komatsu1
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University, 1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-8551, Japan.
Abstract:
This paper describes the synthesis of protein microtube motors having a urease interior surface and highlights their nonbubble-propelled behavior driven by enzymatic reaction (urea→NH3 and CO2 ). The precursor microtubes were prepared by layer-by-layer assembly using a track-etched microporous polycarbonate membrane. Immobilization of a urease on the internal wall was accomplished using avidin-biotin interaction. The tubules swam smoothly in an aqueous media containing a physiological concentration of urea. Each tubule was rotating laterally while moving forward. It is remarkable that the microtubes were digested completely by proteases, demonstrating perfect biodegradability.
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