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Sperm Power: New Tool for Nanobots

Tracy Staedter, Discovery News

So far, they have attached three of the 10 enzymes -- two that are next to each other and one from the middle of the sequence. When attached, the enzymes activate and perform their normal function. If the scientists can get all 10 enzymes to work in sequence, they'll have their biological engine. Blood glucose naturally present in the body would be used as fuel.

On a working device, the enzymes would use the glucose to make ATP, which in turn would power mechanical functions or initiate chemical reactions for therapeutic reasons.

"I think what's really interesting is that it appears to work," said Regina Turner, assistant professor of large animal production at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

But all of the enzymes will need to work together to make the biological engine.

"He will need to show that he can do this with the entire pathway," said Turner.

And if that happens, it will be important to find a way to get the energy from the biological engine to the necessary parts of the nanodevice.

Because the researchers are focused exclusively on building the engine, said Travis, bioengineers will eventually need to solve the energy-delivery problem.

Related Links:

Tracy Staedter's blog: What the Tech?

National Nanotechnology Initiative

'Green' Sperm?