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Multifunctional and biodegradable self-propelled protein motors

Author

Listed:
  • Abdon Pena-Francesch

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Joshua Giltinan

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

  • Metin Sitti

    (Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems)

Abstract

A diversity of self-propelled chemical motors, based on Marangoni propulsive forces, has been developed in recent years. However, most motors are non-functional due to poor performance, a lack of control, and the use of toxic materials. To overcome these limitations, we have developed multifunctional and biodegradable self-propelled motors from squid-derived proteins and an anesthetic metabolite. The protein motors surpass previous reports in performance output and efficiency by several orders of magnitude, and they offer control of their propulsion modes, speed, mobility lifetime, and directionality by regulating the protein nanostructure via local and external stimuli, resulting in programmable and complex locomotion. We demonstrate diverse functionalities of these motors in environmental remediation, microrobot powering, and cargo delivery applications. These versatile and degradable protein motors enable design, control, and actuation strategies in microrobotics as modular propulsion sources for autonomous minimally invasive medical operations in biological environments with air-liquid interfaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdon Pena-Francesch & Joshua Giltinan & Metin Sitti, 2019. "Multifunctional and biodegradable self-propelled protein motors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-11141-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11141-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Seo Woo Song & Sumin Lee & Jun Kyu Choe & Amos Chungwon Lee & Kyoungseob Shin & Junwon Kang & Gyeongjun Kim & Huiran Yeom & Yeongjae Choi & Sunghoon Kwon & Jiyun Kim, 2023. "Pen-drawn Marangoni swimmer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Xingxing Ke & Haochen Yong & Fukang Xu & Han Ding & Zhigang Wu, 2024. "Stenus-inspired, swift, and agile untethered insect-scale soft propulsors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Hao Wu & Yiyu Chen & Wenlong Xu & Chen Xin & Tao Wu & Wei Feng & Hao Yu & Chao Chen & Shaojun Jiang & Yachao Zhang & Xiaojie Wang & Minghui Duan & Cong Zhang & Shunli Liu & Dawei Wang & Yanlei Hu & Ji, 2023. "High-performance Marangoni hydrogel rotors with asymmetric porosity and drag reduction profile," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.

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