Issue 18, 2017

Non-equilibrium assembly of microtubules: from molecules to autonomous chemical robots

Abstract

Biological systems have evolved to harness non-equilibrium processes from the molecular to the macro scale. It is currently a grand challenge of chemistry, materials science, and engineering to understand and mimic biological systems that have the ability to autonomously sense stimuli, process these inputs, and respond by performing mechanical work. New chemical systems are responding to the challenge and form the basis for future responsive, adaptive, and active materials. In this article, we describe a particular biochemical–biomechanical network based on the microtubule cytoskeletal filament – itself a non-equilibrium chemical system. We trace the non-equilibrium aspects of the system from molecules to networks and describe how the cell uses this system to perform active work in essential processes. Finally, we discuss how microtubule-based engineered systems can serve as testbeds for autonomous chemical robots composed of biological and synthetic components.

Graphical abstract: Non-equilibrium assembly of microtubules: from molecules to autonomous chemical robots

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
19 yan 2017
First published
22 mar 2017

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017,46, 5570-5587

Non-equilibrium assembly of microtubules: from molecules to autonomous chemical robots

H. Hess and J. L. Ross, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, 46, 5570 DOI: 10.1039/C7CS00030H

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements