Reversible switching of microtubule motility using thermoresponsive polymer surfaces

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Leonid Ionov - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Manfred Stamm - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Stefan Diez - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)

Abstract

We report a novel approach for the dynamic control of gliding microtubule motility by external stimuli. Our approach is based on the fabrication of a composite surface where functional kinesin motor-molecules are adsorbed onto a silicon substrate between surface-grafted polymer chains of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). By external temperature control between 27 and 35°C, we demonstrate the reversible landing, gliding, and releasing of motor-driven microtubules in response to conformational changes of the polymer chains. Our method represents a versatile means to control the activity of biomolecular motors, and other surface-coupled enzyme systems, in bionanotechnological applications.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1982-1987
Number of pages6
JournalNano letters
Volume6
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2006
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 16968012
ORCID /0000-0002-0750-8515/work/142235584