Results in Chemistry (Jan 2024)
Molecular motors in nanobiotechnology: Protein and DNA based molecular motors: A review
Abstract
Molecular motor can be defined as the collection of a separate number of molecular features (that is, a supramolecular structure) which has been developed to carry out a function through the mechanical movements of its components, which occurs when it is appropriately stimulated externally. Therefore, molecular motors include a part with a motor, which is a tool with the power of turning energy to mechanical work. Molecular motors and machines operate by means of nuclear rearrangements, which like their macroscopic peers, and are described by the type of energy input provided to make them function, the way in which their operation can be observed, the potential to renew the operation at will, i.e., setting up of a cyclic process, the time scale needed to complete a cycle of operation, and the performed function. Due to progresses made in several branches of chemistry, it has become possible to design and construct basic prototypes of artificial molecular motors and machines so that we can better understand the mechanisms by which molecular motors of the biological world operate. The expansion of the concept of motors to the molecular level has received great importance not only in the whole research areas but also in the advancement of nanoscience and the development of nanotechnology. Today, molecular motors are one of the common areas of research between biotechnology and nanoscience. These devices are nanoscale motors that have the ability to perform mechanical movements in exchange for a suitable external stimulus. This stimulation can be caused by a chemical reaction, environmental changes, or light exposure. To date, a large number of high-efficiency natural molecular motors have been identified that can be imitated to develop a wide range of synthetic molecular motors. Although the net weight of Nano motors is in the range of molecular units, these nanoscale structures are capable of generating force at very small levels of Pico and fete newton, and with their self-assembly ability can produce large forces (such as those produced in human muscle). These motors obtain their energy through chemical or optical excitation and convert it into mechanical work. Also, the amount of productive force and its efficiency were examined. Molecular motors are known for having a vast variety of types. One of the best possible classifications is based on the origin of the motors. Therefore, molecular motors can be divided into natural and artificial. Natural molecular motors are protein-based, and the fuel they need is supplied by ATP. The synthetic type is either based on DNA molecules or based on chemical (inorganic) compounds. DNA-based synthetic molecular motors derive their energy from DNA. In contrast, the energy of chemical molecular motors can be supplied by various methods such as optical excitation and electrochemical reaction. In this paper, the general introduction of molecular motors and their operating mechanism, as well as the types of molecular motors and electronic and non-electronic applications of molecular motors will be discussed.
