Bidirectional Nano Grabbers

Abstract

In many cases, biomolecules have a single function. By bringing together multiple species of molecules dispersed throughout space in a single location, it is possible to create highly functional molecular complexes. To achieve this, molecules far from each other must interact with each other. However, it is not easy to achieve long-range interactions in the molecular world. The main forces acting between molecules are electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces, which rapidly weaken with distance. Therefore, for molecules at a distance to interact with each other, they must assemble. Fibrous self-assembly is one of the most efficient ways to achieve long-distance interactions. By linking many molecules together for a long time, an apparent long-distance interaction can be achieved. In this project, we have developed a method called “Bidirectional Nano Grabbers” to capture distant target objects by controlling the self-assembly of protein molecules that become fibers.

The goal of this project is to link the base object to the target object in Brownian motion by forming a path between a predefined base object and the target object floating in solution using fibrous molecular aggregates, and then to attract the target object to the base object by contracting the molecular aggregates. The goal is to attract the target object to the base object by contracting the molecular aggregates.

The fibrous molecular assembly that serves as the pathway connecting the two objects consists of two types of molecules: those that polymerize into fibers to connect the two objects, and those that control the suppression and promotion of polymerization.

In this system, we first consider connecting the base and target substances by forming paths from both directions. By forming paths from both directions, the two can be connected more quickly than by forming paths from only one direction. Not just one path, but many paths can be formed between two substances, making the connection between the two objects stronger. Furthermore, our goal is achieved by introducing an element that shrinks the coupling path, thereby reducing the distance between the base and the target. The effectiveness of these mechanisms is demonstrated by simulations, followed by molecular design and validation, showing that it is possible to bind and attract distant substances. 

YouTube

Hi, Team Sendai here! 

We have a fun animated overview of our project on YouTube. We have spent the summer bouncing ideas off each other, brushing them up, and running them through simulations over and over again. We used several different simulation programs trying to understand the structure of the protein. Our website explains our ideas in great detail and with great care. We hope that our project and our enthusiasm will be conveyed to you.