Dynamic nanodevices using protein molecular motors

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The program will focus on the design, fabrication and implementation of dynamic nanodevices based on the interaction of micro- and nano-structures with protein linear molecular motor systems, such as myosin-actin filaments, and kinesin-microtubules. Protein molecular motors are ubiquitous biological nano-machines responsible for biological functions as diverse as cell movement and division, transport of vesicles, and muscle contraction. The program will develop novel hybrid dynamic nano-bio-devices that use protein molecular motors for (i) high throughput drug discovery for critical diseases, e.g., cancer; (ii) diagnostics, which is quasi-immediate, compared with the hours-long response time of classical methodology; and (iii) computing devices capable of solving combinatorial problems intractable for the present electronic, but sequential computers. The program will also deliver new methodologies for the fundamental study of protein molecular motors with wider impact on medicine and health care. The research team will advance the development of protein molecular motors-based devices well beyond the state of the art, by undertaking the whole innovation path on molecular motors-based devices, starting from fundamental science, to the implementation of the research in prototype devices for health care and other industries. The program will consolidate the already commanding position of the high added-value of Canadian biomedical industry in the global world market, as well as providing a new outlet for the excellent Canadian nanofabrication knowledge and capability.