Nanomechanical device

Recent advances of the Seeman group led to the construction of a nanomechanical device from DNA [89]. In this molecular apparatus, the ion-dependent transition of B-DNA into the Z-conformation is used to alter the distance between two DNA DX domains attached to the switchable double helix. Atomic displacements of about 2-6 nm were attained. Ionic switching of nanoparticles by means of DNA supercoiling has also been reported [53]. Additional advances regarding the use of DNA is nanomechanical devices have been reported by Fritz et al., who showed that an array of cantilevers can be used to... 

Seeman NC (2005). From genes to machines DNA nanomechanical devices. Trends Biochem. Sci. 30 119-125. 

Molecules with specific functions, to be used in nanoelectronic and nanomechanical devices, can be constructed, and their physical and chemical properties can be studied in situ with STM spectroscopy techniques on an individual basis. Even though the direct industrial application of single molecule construction may not be possible in the near future, the knowledge can help initiate a mass scale production. Thus, with these achievements in molecular manipulation possibilities with the STM, a new dimension for future nanoscience and technology is now open. 

Figure 17.16 Schematic representation of a nanomechanical device powered by the Fi-ATPase molecular motor.145 (Adapted with permission from V. Balzani et al., ChemPhysChem 2008, 9, 202-220. Copyright Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA.)...

Applying short ssDNA strands that selectively interact with a specific part of a molecular device is another method to make the device move. A robust rotary device was developed based on multiple crossover motifs [91]. The motivity of the device was the reversible binding of DNA strands. The central axis consists of a couple of ssDNA sections. The conformation of the two ssDNA strands can readily be switched between a PX conformation and its topoisomer conformation. The ssDNA strand replacement can cause the interconversion between the two conformations, and results in an 180° rotation of the end of one strand. This work showed that a rotary nanomechanical device is capable of being cycled by the addition of strands that direct its structure (Fig. 12a). As an application of the DNA nanodevice, a unique DNA nanomechanical device that enables the positional synthesis of products whose sequences are determined by the state of the device has been... 

K. S. Kim, p-benzoquinone-benzene clusters as potential nanomechanical devices a theoretical study, J. Chem. Phys. 121, 841-846 (2004). 

Montemagno, C., et ah, Constructing biological motor powered nanomechanical devices. Nanotechnology 1999, 10, 225—231. 

The combination of branched DNA molecules and sticky ends creates a powerful molecular assembly kit for structural DNA nanotechnology. Polyhedra, complex topological objects, a nanomechanical device and two-dimensional arrays with programmable surface features have already been produced in this way. Future apphcations range from macro-molecular crystallography and new materials to molecular electronics and DNA-based com-putation.f ... 

Rius, G., Llobet, J., Arcamone, J., Borrise, X., and E. Perez-Murano. 2009. Electron- and ion-beam lithography for the fabrication of nanomechanical devices integrated on CMOS circuit. Microelectronic Engineering 86 1046-1049. 

Aside from showing the similarity between the reaction patterns of onedimensional nanostructures and polymer chains, the coupling methods that we have developed should have other applications. They can, for example, be used to make rudimentary nanomechanical devices. Figure 24 shows, for example, a device that can be prepared by attaching three PS-PCEMA-PAA/ y-Pe203 hybrid nanofibers to one microsphere. 

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