Enzyme Molecules as Nanomotors

Samudra Sengupta Krishna K. Dey Hari S. Muddana Tristan Tabouillot Michael E. IbelePeter J. Butler *, and Ayusman Sen *


J. Am. Chem. Soc., Article ASAP
DOI: 10.1021/ja3091615
Publication Date (Web): January 10, 2013
Copyright © 2013 American Chemical Society



Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we show that the diffusive movements of catalase enzyme molecules increase in the presence of the substrate, hydrogen peroxide, in a concentration-dependent manner. Employing a microfluidic device to generate a substrate concentration gradient, we show that both catalase and urease enzyme molecules spread toward areas of higher substrate concentration, a form of chemotaxis at the molecular scale. Using glucose oxidase and glucose to generate a hydrogen peroxide gradient, we induce the migration of catalase toward glucose oxidase, thereby showing that chemically interconnected enzymes can be drawn together.

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