Issue 26, 2023

Precise control of CNT-DNA assembled nanomotor using oppositely charged dual nanopores

Abstract

Inspired by nature, nanomotors have been developed that have great potential in microfluidics and biomedical applications. The development of the rotary nanomotor, which is an important type of nanomotor, is an essential step towards intelligent nanomachines and nanorobots. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a crucial component of rotary nanomotors because of their excellent mechanical properties and adaptability to the human body. Herein, we introduce a convenient manipulation method for controlling the rotation of a nanomotor assembled from CNT-DNA, which uses the electroosmosis effect within oppositely charged dual nanopores. The central components of this nanomotor consist of a double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) and a circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), which acts as the driving element for the nanomotor. Selective ion transport through charged nanopores can generate a robust electroosmotic flow (EOF), which serves as the primary power for the movement of circular ssDNA. The tangential force on the ssDNA is transmitted via electrostatic adsorption to the outer surface of the CNT, known as the rotor, resulting in the rotation of the nanomotor. By simply adjusting the electric field and surface charge density of each nanopore, rotational variables including speed, output power and torque can be readily regulated in this work. This proof-of-concept research provides a promising foundation for the future development of the precise control of nanomotors.

Graphical abstract: Precise control of CNT-DNA assembled nanomotor using oppositely charged dual nanopores

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
25 Apr. 2023
Accepted
02 Jūn. 2023
First published
05 Jūn. 2023

Nanoscale, 2023,15, 11052-11063

Precise control of CNT-DNA assembled nanomotor using oppositely charged dual nanopores

C. Ma, W. Xu, W. Liu, C. Xu, W. Si and J. Sha, Nanoscale, 2023, 15, 11052 DOI: 10.1039/D3NR01912H

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