| Actin filaments (top image, bright lines) and microtubules (lower image, bright lines) are assembled dielectrophoretically in the gap between two electrodes. The dielectrophoretic forces align the filaments perpendicular to the electrodes’ edges. The gold electrodes were patterned on microscope glass slides. |
Molecular Motions
In collaboration with colleagues in biophysics, Professors Yale Goldman and Henry Shuman , we are studying complex assembly processes and probing the functional behavior of molecular motors. These macromolecules and supra-macromolecular assemblies utilize cellular energy to perform crucial tasks throughout cell biology and serve as ideal prototypes of machines that operate effectively in the nanometer-scale regime. Despite the chaotic environment of a nano-scale, aqueous medium, they couple mechanical, structural and chemical processes with remarkable efficiency. We hope that these studies will enhance our fundamental understanding of biological processes, lead to advances in medicine, assist in the development of synthetic nano machines, and facilitate the use of molecular motors as sensors and actuators. This work is supported, in part, by UPenn’s National Science Foundation Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC).
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