Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam and from the University of Amsterdam have now modelled and simulated the motor traffic for different compartment geometries and filament arrangements, and have determined the optimal conditions for the transport of nanocargo in these systems.

Biomimetic systems based on molecular motors and filaments have many potential applications in bionanotechnology, pharmacology, and medicine.

During the next couple of years, we may witness the development of sorting devices for biomolecules and biocolloids, drug delivery systems that utilize the motor transport within human cells, and motile components for nanoscale manufacturing.

Long term, we should also be able to construct “smart” biomimetic systems that can respond to and “survive” in a changing environment.

Max Planck Society news release