Creation of functional micro/nano systems through top-down and bottom-up approaches

Mol Cell Biomech. 2009 Mar;6(1):1-55.

Abstract

Mimicking nature's approach in creating devices with similar functional complexity is one of the ultimate goals of scientists and engineers. The remarkable elegance of these naturally evolved structures originates from bottom-up self-assembly processes. The seamless integration of top-down fabrication and bottom-up synthesis is the challenge for achieving intricate artificial systems. In this paper, technologies necessary for guided bottom-up assembly such as molecular manipulation, molecular binding, and the self assembling of molecules will be reviewed. In addition, the current progress of synthesizing mechanical devices through top-down and bottom-up approaches will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biomimetic Materials*
  • Biomimetics / methods
  • Crystallization
  • Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • DNA / chemistry
  • Electroosmosis / methods
  • Electrophoresis / methods
  • Humans
  • Microfilament Proteins / chemistry
  • Microtubule Proteins / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Salts / chemistry
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Microtubule Proteins
  • Salts
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • DNA