Free Info - Circle 402

While you're peering through that microscope, you may want to examine the biological motor under study in Cornell University's nanofabrication lab. The prime mover doesn't involve windings and stators--rather, the device runs on the enzyme ATP (adenosine triposphate). In experiments lasting over a year, the Cornell group mounted 11nm diameter biomolecular motors to nickel-capped posts, then installed propellers measuring 750nm long by 106nm to the motors. After immersing the machines in ATP solutions, videos were made of the propeller turning. In one video, a dust particle is seen entering the image, then can be seen to be caught in the propeller's vortex and spat out at the bottom of the frame. That particular motor was described as having operated for a bit over two and a half hours at about 82% efficiency, a noteworthy feat since it was running on a room temperature chemical reaction. The posts on which the motors were mounted lift the device out of the biological medium, which would create drag. The researchers found that the motors wobble, or step, through three distinct 120-degree increments in one revolution. Suggested potential applications have been to use the devices for single molecule sorting in cellular-level pharmacies, and in "smart dust" that can monitor crops or extraterrestrial environments. Circle 402 - Cornell University, or connect directly to their website at http://www.OneRS.net/104df-402