Microtubules self-assembly discovery may lead to circuit components and drug-delivery systems
November 9, 2004 | Source: KurzweilAI
UC Santa Barbara researchers have discovered a new type of higher-order assembly of microtubules that generate distinct linear, branched and loop-shaped “necklaces.”
The discovery could influence the development of vehicles for chemical, drug, and gene delivery, enzyme encapsulation systems and biosensors, circuitry components, as well as templates for nanosized wires and optical materials.
For example, metallization of necklace bundles with different sizes and shapes would yield nanomaterials with controlled optical properties.
The findings are reported in the November 16 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and published online the week of November 8.