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Updated: Aug 9, 2025
08:40
Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
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Rotary biomolecular motor-powered supramolecular colloidal motor
Jun Liu1, Yingjie Wu1, Yue Li1
1School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yi Kuang Jie 2, Harbin 150080, China.
Science Advances
|February 22, 2023
Summary
Researchers engineered self-propelling colloidal motors using rotary biomolecular motors (FOF1-ATP synthase). These light-activated, micro-sized machines mimic bacterial motility for advanced biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetic materials science
- Molecular engineering
- Active matter physics
Background:
- Cells utilize protein motors for mechanical tasks, but engineering artificial systems with continuous motion is difficult.
- Existing artificial motors often lack integrated energy conversion and propulsion mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel micro-scale colloidal motors powered by rotary biomolecular motors.
- To create an active supramolecular architecture capable of autonomous movement and biosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Hierarchical assembly of polyelectrolyte microcapsules with purified chromatophore membranes containing FOF1-ATP synthase.
- Utilizing light-induced proton gradients to drive FOF1-ATP synthase rotation and generate self-diffusiophoretic force.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated autonomous movement of micro-sized rotary biomolecular motor-powered supramolecular (RBMS) colloidal motors under light.
- Showcased collective propulsion powered by hundreds of FOF1-ATP synthase motors.
- Established a mechanism involving proton gradients, ATP biosynthesis, and diffusiophoresis for propulsion.
Conclusions:
- RBMS colloidal motors represent a new class of active biomimetic materials with self-propulsion and energy conversion capabilities.
- This platform offers a promising approach for developing intelligent colloidal systems inspired by biological motility.
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