Researchers have taken a significant step towards bio-inspired nanotechnology with the development of the “Lawnmower“, an autonomous protein-based motor that utilizes a clever “burnt-bridge” principle for self-propulsion.
How the Lawnmower Works:
The Lawnmower is comprised of a spherical protein hub decorated with protease enzymes. These enzymes act like tiny scissors, cutting through a “peptide lawn” – a surface covered in specific protein fragments. As the Lawnmower cleaves these peptides, it leaves behind a trail of “burnt bridges,” essentially used-up fuel. This uneven landscape, with untouched peptides offering more traction, creates a local energy gradient. This gradient, driven by the natural tendency of molecules to move from low to high energy, biases the Lawnmower’s random movements, propelling it towards regions with uncut peptides.
Key Features:
- Autonomous movement: The Lawnmower operates without external control, fueled solely by its interaction with the peptide lawn.
- Directed motion: The burnt-bridge principle ensures the Lawnmower moves towards uncharted territory, maximizing its efficiency.
- Speed and size: The Lawnmower exhibits speeds comparable to biological motors found in nature, operating at the nanoscale.