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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

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Page Last Updated: 12-17-2008