Towards a 'nano-traffic' system powered by molecular motors

In this work, we reconstructed in vitro the behavior of two motor proteins-myosin and actin-responsible for the mechanical action of muscle cells. By transferring this in vivo system to an artificial environment, we were able to study the interaction between the proteins in more detail, as well as investigating the central mechanism of force production. Nm-patterning by e-beam lithography (EBL) could restore parts of the in vivo protein order, essential for potential nanotechnological applications. Much work was put into establishing the necessary compatibility between the biological and nano-lithographical processes. A range of EBL-resists were tested for protein compatibility. One particular kind (MRL-6000.1XP) supported good actin filament motility, while another (PMMA-950) behaved in the opposite way. Taking advantage of these findings, nm-sized lines were created in a double-layer structure of the two resists. The lines were found to act as binding sites for myosin, and as rectifying guides for the linearized motion of actin filaments. Velocities around 5 mum/s were measured. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.