Molecular trucks and complementary tracks for bionanotechnological applications

Molecular motors are cellular trucks that help regulate structure and function, and enable cells to operate far from equilibrium by transporting cargo (i.e. organelles and other molecules of interest) to designed locations. Cargo transport is performed against concentration gradients and through the exchange of chemical energy into mechanical work. The truck-based transport system provides the inspiration for the next generation of intricate nanodevices and synthetic platforms to be used for lab-on-chip analyte detection and sensing with increased efficiency and scalability.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (307 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Motor ‘trucks’ and cytoskeleton ‘tracks’ mediate cellular behavior and functions. ► Truck–track systems in vitro transport cargo form biosensors and biodevices. ► Harnessing truck–track systems promises to address nanomanufacturing demands.