Molecular Motors Powered By Proteins
Background:
The National Cancer Institute
Center of Cancer Research Nanobiology Program is seeking statements
of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative
research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize the
Molecular Rotation Engine. The technology is available for
exclusive or non-exclusive licensing. Please contact John D. Hewes,
Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or Hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more
information.
Technology:
The technology available for
licensing and commercial development relates to molecular motors
powered by proteins. Some implementations describe a molecular
motor in which multiple concentric cylinders or nested cones rotate
around a common longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces
of the cylinders or cones are coated with complementary motor
protein pairs, such as actin and myosin which interact with one
another in the presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones.
This rotational energy is then harnessed to produce work.
Another configuration forms the motor out of a set of stacked
disks, much like CDs on a spindle. The advantage of this form is
extreme simplicity of construction compared to the nested cylinders
or cones. In yet another configuration, which has aspects of both
of the previous forms, the surfaces are broken into annular rings
in order to overcome that the inner surfaces rotate at a different
rate than the outer surfaces.
Because the motor can be implemented on either a microscopic or
macroscopic scale, this invention has numerous potential
applications. The molecular motor may be used in a robot, for
example in a pump to propel fluids. Very large versions of the
motor could also be used in automobiles to replace conventional
internal combustion motors. The biologically compatible nature of
these devices also make them suitable for medical applications.
Biologically based engines can use sugar in the blood as fuel to
replace neuromuscular function lost to diseases such as muscular
dystrophy. Alternatively, the motor can be used to rotate the
joints of the extremities, move limbs or other body parts, and
perform the mechanical functions of a prosthetic implant without
use of an external power supply.
Further R&D Needed:
Proof-of-concept
R&D Status: Basic
research
IP Status:
- International Application Number PCT/US 2000/20925 filed
07/31/2000
- granted Application AU 2002/18688 B2, and the corresponding
European and Canadian applications being prosecuted, all entitled
"Molecular Motor"
Value Proposition:
- Novel compositions of molecular motors with potential
applications in robotics, medicine, and biotechnology.
- Implementation on either a microscopic or macroscopic
scale.
- Ability to supply power to prosthetic implants and other
medical devices without external power sources.
Contact
Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov
Reference: #608 JH
Posted 01/18/2008