Scientists develop new DNA nanomotor

An international team of scientists has announced the development of an innovative nanomotor based on DNA and controlled by a smart mechanism using RNA polymerase. The new motor is capable of pulsating movements, the results of the study were published in the Nature Nanotechnology journal, Report informs.

Using computer simulations with the oxDNA tool, the team developed a leaf spring nanomotor. The structure consists of almost 14,000 nucleotides, forming the main components of DNA, and is shaped like a wrist expander: two handles, connected by a spring, forming a V-shaped structure.

The dimensions of the nanomotor are 70*70*12 nanometers. Its movement is carried out with the chemical energy of nucleoside triphosphates, which have three phosphate groups. RNA polymerase, a special enzyme, was attached to one of the engine handles, and a DNA strand was stretched between the two handles.

The polymerase captures a DNA strand to transcribe it, that is, use it as a template for the synthesis of RNA molecules (transcripts). In this case, the non-transcribed region becomes smaller, which leads to the attraction of one handle to the other. When RNA polymerase reaches a special sequence known as a terminal sequence, the enzyme releases the DNA and the structure returns to its original position, after which the cycle repeats.

Scientists also plan to develop a clutch that will use engine energy only at certain times. In the long term, such an engine could become the central element of a complex nanomachine.