| abstract |
This invention provides photon-driven single-molecule nanomotors with biologically- based components, and methods of making the same. The nanomotors of the invention comprise a DNA hairpin-structured molecule incorporated with at least one azobenzene moiety (such as azobenzene phosphoramidite). The azobenzene moiety (or moieties) facilitates reversible photocontrollable conversion of the DNA molecule from the hairpin structure to an open state. This reversible extension-contraction behavior is considered a molecular motor function. |