Cooperative Rotation of Multiple F o F 1 ‐ATPase Motors in a Janus Photophosphorylation Nanobot

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Authors: Yanfang Li, Yun Huang, Mingjun Xuan, Yingjie Wu, Qiang Zhi He
Cited by: 0
References: 28

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inspired by the precise collective action of biological motors, we here develop asymmetric photophosphorylation nanobots through the hierarchical co‐assembly of thylakoid vesicles and lecithin liposomes. This approach yields anisotropic vesicles that preserve robust photophosphorylation capacity activity while integrating multiple F o F 1 ‐ATPase motors into a spatially organized nanoarchitecture. Upon light illumination, proton gradients drive ATP synthesis and trigger synchronized rotation of the embedded motors, leading to emergent vortex flows that enable efficient nanobot propulsion. Importantly, the propulsion velocity exhibits a linear dependence on motor number, providing direct evidence of force amplification through motor coordination. Hydrodynamic simulations further reveal that increased motor density strengthens inter‐motor coupling via a single‐vortex collective mode. By emulating the fundamental principles of biological motor cooperation through rational supramolecular design, this platform offers a powerful framework for achieving life‐like, programmable motion at the microscale, with significant potential for applications in active cargo delivery and adaptive biomimetic robotic systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Micro and Nano Robotics ATP Synthase and ATPases Research Microtubule and mitosis dynamics

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Volume
22
Issue
13
Pages
e12963–e12963
Publication date
14 January 2026
Language
EN