The emerging field of nanomotors is attracting large interest over the last few years since it combines novel aspects of several fields as chemistry, engineering, microfluidics and biology. Our group previously presented a proof of concept for a novel hybrid nanomotor for DNA detection. Herein the innovative DNA sandwich approach is maintained but directionality and movement control are introduced by evaporation of a cobalt-platin multilayer. The hybridization principle between motor and cargo, which accomplishes motion-based detection of oligonucleotide sequences, allows a yes / no answer to the question of a specific DNA presence due to the fact that presence of analyte (DNA) is essential for the movement of cargo particles. In the future this ability to move DNA and therefore transport analytical information might enable us to isolate sample information prior to analysis.

Peer Reviewed