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Physical Society ColloquiumInterview for Faculty PositionIntegrating biomolecular motors into hybrid nanodevicesHenry HessUniversity of WashingtonMotor proteins are unique nanoscale machines, converting chemical energy into mechanical work by hydrolyzing ATP. In nature, motors like kinesins and myosins perform a wide variety of functions, ranging from active transport of nanoscale objects within cells to the contraction of muscles. In our research, we integrate these advanced molecular motors into synthetic devices in order to explore the potential of molecular motors in nanotechnology. Examples for this approach are the `molecular shuttle', a nanoscale transport system, `Monte-Carlo imaging', a surface imaging method based on the random sampling of a surface by nanoscale probe-robots, and a piconewton forcemeter for the measurement of the strength of intermolecular bonds. In the fabrication of these hybrid devices we combine protein-patterning, soft-lithography, and microfluidics with biomolecular techniques in order to control protein-surface and protein-protein interactions. This research into hybrid, biomimetic nanodevices and materials combines elements of physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology and materials science in order to explore novel engineering principles applicable to nanotechnology.
Thursday, March 6th 2003, 16:00
Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, R.E. Bell Conference Room - room 103 |