ADVANCES IN F0F1-ATP SYNTHASE BIOLOGICAL PROTEIN NANOMOTOR: FROM MECHANISMS AND STRATEGIES TO POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS

作者：Khataee H R; Khataee A R^*

来源：Nano, 2009, 4(2): 55-67.

DOI：10.1142/S1793292009001587

• Nanotechnology
• nanobiotechnology
• protein nanomotors
• molecular machines

Movement and shape changes are fundamental aspects of all living organisms. This biological motility results from the biological nanomotors, in particular protein nanomotors. Cells contain a variety of protein nanomotors that rotate (e.g, F0F1-ATP synthase or bacterial flagellar motors) or move in a linear fashion (e.g, the kinesin, myosin and dynein motors). F0F1-ATP synthase is one of the ideal nanomotors or energy providing systems for micro/nanomachines because of its small size, smart and perfect structure, and ultra-high energy transfer efficiency. Therefore, in this paper, we have reviewed the structure, mechanism, and potential applications of the F0F1-ATP synthase nanomotor. In all organisms, the F0F1-ATP synthase consists of two distinct nanomotors, F-0 and F-1. The F-0 moiety is embedded in the membrane and is a detergent soluble unit while the F-1 moiety protrudes from the membrane and is a water soluble unit. F0F1-ATP synthase operates as two stepper motor/generators coupled by a common shaft and an electrochemical-to-mechanical-to-chemical energy transducer with an astounding 360 degrees rotary motion of subunits. F0F1-ATP synthase nanomotor may enable the creation of a new class of sensors, mechanical force transducers, actuators, and nanomechanical devices. Thus, the F0F1-ATP synthase nanomotor field has expanded into a wide variety of science.

• 出版日期2009-4