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Ultrafast light-activated polymeric nanomotors

Author

Listed:
  • Jianhong Wang

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Hanglong Wu

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Xiaowei Zhu

    (Beihang University)

  • Robby Zwolsman

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Stijn R. J. Hofstraat

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Yudong Li

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Yingtong Luo

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Rick R. M. Joosten

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Heiner Friedrich

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Shoupeng Cao

    (Sichuan University)

  • Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Jingxin Shao

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Jan C. M. Hest

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Abstract

Synthetic micro/nanomotors have been extensively exploited over the past decade to achieve active transportation. This interest is a result of their broad range of potential applications, from environmental remediation to nanomedicine. Nevertheless, it still remains a challenge to build a fast-moving biodegradable polymeric nanomotor. Here we present a light-propelled nanomotor by introducing gold nanoparticles (Au NP) onto biodegradable bowl-shaped polymersomes (stomatocytes) via electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions. These biodegradable nanomotors show controllable motion and remarkable velocities of up to 125 μm s−1. This unique behavior is explained via a thorough three-dimensional characterization of the nanomotor, particularly the size and the spatial distribution of Au NP, with cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). Our in-depth quantitative 3D analysis reveals that the motile features of these nanomotors are caused by the nonuniform distribution of Au NPs on the outer surface of the stomatocyte along the z-axial direction. Their excellent motile features are exploited for active cargo delivery into living cells. This study provides a new approach to develop robust, biodegradable soft nanomotors with application potential in biomedicine.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianhong Wang & Hanglong Wu & Xiaowei Zhu & Robby Zwolsman & Stijn R. J. Hofstraat & Yudong Li & Yingtong Luo & Rick R. M. Joosten & Heiner Friedrich & Shoupeng Cao & Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen & Jingx, 2024. "Ultrafast light-activated polymeric nanomotors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49217-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49217-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abdon Pena-Francesch & Joshua Giltinan & Metin Sitti, 2019. "Multifunctional and biodegradable self-propelled protein motors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Jie Wu & Shankar Balasubramanian & Daniel Kagan & Kalayil Manian Manesh & Susana Campuzano & Joseph Wang, 2010. "Motion-based DNA detection using catalytic nanomotors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 1(1), pages 1-6, December.
    3. Daniela Rus & Michael T. Tolley, 2015. "Design, fabrication and control of soft robots," Nature, Nature, vol. 521(7553), pages 467-475, May.
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