Work

Cooperative Rotation of Multiple F o F 1 ‐ATPase Motors in a Janus Photophosphorylation Nanobot

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Inspired by the precise collective action of biological motors, we here develop asymmetric photophosphorylation nanobots through the hierarchical co‐assembly of thylakoid vesicles and lecithin liposomes. This approach yields anisotropic vesicles that preserve robust photophosphorylation capacity activity while integrating multiple F o F 1 ‐ATPase motors into a spatially organized nanoarchitecture. Upon light illumination, proton gradients drive ATP synthesis and trigger synchronized rotation of the embedded motors, leading to emergent vortex flows that enable efficient nanobot propulsion. Importantly, the propulsion velocity exhibits a linear dependence on motor number, providing direct evidence of force amplification through motor coordination. Hydrodynamic simulations further reveal that increased motor density strengthens inter‐motor coupling via a single‐vortex collective mode. By emulating the fundamental principles of biological motor cooperation through rational supramolecular design, this platform offers a powerful framework for achieving life‐like, programmable motion at the microscale, with significant potential for applications in active cargo delivery and adaptive biomimetic robotic systems.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.202512963

Authors: Yue Li, Yang Huang, Mingjun Xuan, Yingjie Wu, Qiang He

Institutions: Harbin Institute of Technology, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou Institute of Biomaterials and Engineering

Awards: G3904776372, G962355225