Nanofabrication Using Actin Biocolumns

A method to fabricate actin biocolumns, which are semi-flexible structures, from 10 to100 microns long, made from bundles of the natural biopolymer actin, one of nature's most versatile and abundant self-assembling proteins.

Technology ID:

2-11149-04040

Applications:

The technology enables filament structures on a nanometer scale for use in optical devices and computer chips. The biocolumns may also be converted to wires by metalizing the surfaces.

Advantages:

Actin biocolumns are advantaged because the fabrication can be controlled. Many natural binding proteins for actin can be used to control both the dynamics of column growth and resulting mechanics of the column. Because they are only nucleated by surfaces coated with a specific protein, ActA, biocolumns can be made to grow at specific locations.

Inventors:

James McGrath (website)
Ian Schwartz
Mike Bindschadler
Mort Ehrenberg
Thomas Gaborski

For Additional Information or for Licensing Opportunities:

Harl Tolbert
Associate Director, Biological Sciences
Office of Technology Transfer
585.784.8850

Category:

Nanotechnology:Nano-structures

Keywords:

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