생체인공근육을 위한 DNA/carbon nano-particles assembly 연구

Abstract

CN particle assemblies can also produce useful actuation performances when electrochemically charged and can potentially operate to high stresses due to the excellent mechanical properties of individual CN particles. DNA molecules have been chosen as a binder for the development of CN particles structures that simultaneously produce a high capacitance and useful actuation performance. For improved actuation performance of hybrid system, the individual molecules that actuate a specific response are thought of as the functional components of nano-devices. Here we show that the attachment of CN particles (Fullerene (C60) and SWNT) to a DNA significantly improves its molecular switching and stability of this pH driven enthalpic molecular-machine through hydrophobic interactions. Three-dimensional molecular analysis describes in detail the molecular conformation changes occurring and allows accurate assessment of the motor function. The switching electrochemical property of the SWNT/DNA hybrid can be produced through changes in reversible conformational change between the closed and open state of originated from the pH-responding DNA molecules. As a result, DNA-SWNT hybrid fibers have been prepared from high concentrated CNTs dispersion solution with effectively coated DNA by a wet spinning method. The DNA was effective in debundling the SWNTs and acting as a mechanical binder even when immersed in liquid electrolytes. Therefore, the DNA-SWNT fibers showed excellent supercapacitor behavior and superior actuation performance. The study reported here and future work increase the possibility of developing molecular machines capable of moving a defined nanoparticle for molecular assembly / chemistry, controlled molecular interactions and even propulsion systems for mobile nano-devices. The excellent electrical properties and good strain behavior will produce a multifunctional actuator that has sensing and actuating properties, and will form the basis for new intelligent materials for applications, such as artificial muscles.