Reversible switching of microtubule motility using thermoresponsive polymer surfaces

Nano Lett. 2006 Sep;6(9):1982-7. doi: 10.1021/nl0611539.

Abstract

We report a novel approach for the dynamic control of gliding microtubule motility by external stimuli. Our approach is based on the fabrication of a composite surface where functional kinesin motor-molecules are adsorbed onto a silicon substrate between surface-grafted polymer chains of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). By external temperature control between 27 and 35 degrees C, we demonstrate the reversible landing, gliding, and releasing of motor-driven microtubules in response to conformational changes of the polymer chains. Our method represents a versatile means to control the activity of biomolecular motors, and other surface-coupled enzyme systems, in bionanotechnological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry
  • Kinesins / chemistry*
  • Kinesins / ultrastructure*
  • Materials Testing
  • Microtubules / chemistry*
  • Microtubules / ultrastructure*
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry*
  • Motion
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • poly-N-isopropylacrylamide
  • Kinesins