Scientists create tiny motors that mimic nature
Scientists have built an artificial motor capable of mimicking the natural mechanisms that power life.
Just like the proteins in our muscles, which convert chemical energy into power to allow us to perform daily tasks, these tiny rotary motors use chemical energy to generate force, store energy, and perform tasks in a similar way.
The finding, from The University of 野狼社区 and the University of Strasbourg, published in the journal provides new insights into the fundamental processes that drive life at the molecular level and could open doors for applications in medicine, energy storage, and nanotechnology.
鈥淏iology uses chemically powered molecular machines for every biological process, such as transporting chemicals around the cell, information processing or reproduction. By replicating nature at the nanoscale level, we can design entirely new materials with highly specific functions that don鈥檛 exist in the natural world. Building this outside of nature also gives us greater simplicity and control over its functions and uses.鈥�
The artificial rotary motors are incredibly tiny鈥攎uch smaller than a strand of human hair. They are embedded into polymer chains of a synthetic gel and when fuelled, they work like miniature car engines, converting the fuel into waste products, while using the energy to rotate the motor.
The rotation twists the gel鈥檚 molecular chains, causing the gel to shrink, storing the energy, much like winding like an elastic band. The stored energy can then be released to perform tasks.
So far, the scientists have demonstrated the motor鈥檚 ability to open and close micron-sized holes and speed up chemical reactions.
Professor Leigh added: 鈥淢imicking the chemical energy-powered systems found in nature not only helps our understanding of life but could open the door to revolutionary advances in medicine, energy and nanotechnology.鈥�
