US scientists drive nanobots with sperm
Release date: 2008-01-10
In a groundbreaking development, U.S. scientists have successfully harnessed the power of biological engines inspired by sperm to drive nano-robots. This innovation marks a significant step forward in the field of nanotechnology and medical science.
The research team, led by Dr. Alex Travis from Cornell University’s Department of Veterinary Medicine, has developed a system that mimics the way sperm move through the body. By replicating the energy-producing mechanisms found in sperm, they’ve created a bioengineered system capable of powering tiny robotic devices.
Sperm cells are known for their ability to propel themselves using energy generated in their tails. This energy comes from glycolysis, a process that converts sugar into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells. Scientists discovered that these enzymes prefer to bind to rigid structures rather than soft cellular material, which is a key insight in their design.
To make this technology work, researchers modified the enzymes so they could attach to artificial surfaces, such as nickel-coated chips. By arranging them in specific patterns, they were able to activate the enzymes and create a functional biological engine.
This engine can run on glucose from the human bloodstream, making it ideal for use in medical applications. Potential uses include targeted drug delivery to specific areas of the body or correcting enzyme deficiencies.
The team is currently working on optimizing the system, aiming to activate all ten rows of enzymes in a coordinated manner. If successful, this could lead to the creation of highly efficient nano-robots capable of performing complex tasks within the human body.
As this technology continues to evolve, it holds great promise for revolutionizing medicine and opening new frontiers in nanoscale engineering. ——Shanghai Medical Device Industry Association Network
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