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Science 20 July 2007:
Vol. 317. no. 5836, pp. 333 - 336
DOI: 10.1126/science.1139570

Review

Motor Proteins at Work for Nanotechnology

Martin G. L. van den Heuvel and Cees Dekker*

The biological cell is equipped with a variety of molecular machines that perform complex mechanical tasks such as cell division or intracellular transport. One can envision employing these biological motors in artificial environments. We review the progress that has been made in using motor proteins for powering or manipulating nanoscale components. In particular, kinesin and myosin biomotors that move along linear biofilaments have been widely explored as active components. Currently realized applications are merely proof-of-principle demonstrations. Yet, the sheer availability of an entire ready-to-use toolbox of nanosized biological motors is a great opportunity that calls for exploration.

Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, 2628 CJ Delft, Netherlands.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: c.dekker{at}tudelft.nl

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)