Passive molecular separation system using microtubule transport

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25709018
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Yokokawa Ryuji 京都大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 准教授 (10411216)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 分子ロボティクス / ナノマシン / ナノバイオ / マイクロ・ナノフルイディクス / 生物物理 / 分子モーター / 分子操作 / 電気泳動

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to develop an autonomous molecular separation system using several different microtubules modified by molecular labeling. Short seed microtubules were modified with DNA to have different surface charge densities. Electrophoretic mobilities of seed microtubules were measured and their radius of gliding trajectories in an electric field was calculated. A microfluidic device was developed to separate two groups of microtubules. Results demonstrated the improved controllability of microtubule gliding directions driven by kinesin motors, which is applicable to molecular robotics.

Free Research Field

BioMEMS，MicroTAS