Single Molecule Valve: Advances in Nanoscale Control. In Climate: Changes in Chemical and Biochemical Interactions. A flexible nanovalve enables functional control of single molecule flow.
Scientists dream of using particles as building blocks, the same way we use mechanical parts to build things. However, the particles are so small – about one hundred millionth the size of a softball – they move in the fluid randomly, making it difficult to reproduce them in a single form.
To overcome this challenge, “nanofluidic devices” that can transport particles into very narrow channels, the size of a million straws, are attracting attention as a way to manipulate cells in individually and in solution.
A joint research team led by Professor Yan Xu of Osaka Metropolitan University graduate school effectively controls the flow of single cells in solution by opening and closing nanovalves in nanofluidic devices by applying external pressure.
The research team created a nanofluidic device with a thin, flexible glass sheet on top and a solid glass plate with microstructures that form nanochannels and a nanovalve seat on the bottom. By applying external pressure to the flexible glass sheet to open and close the valve, they can directly adjust and control the flow of individual molecules in the solution.
They also found that when they have saved the unusual Moleculue in Valvang, of the fleorecount of special particles still shine. This happened because the little opportunity has made difficult for special molecules to pick up the random.
Professor Xu said that “this effect of increasing the fluorescence signal can help to identify small causes of diseases for the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease, without the need for special equipment. It is expensive”.
The results of this study may be an important step for free synthesis using single molecules as catalysts in solutions. This technology can be useful in different areas, such as creating personalized medicine for rare diseases and creating better displays and batteries. Its applications are limitless.
“We have overcome various challenges by proposing and promoting the concept of ‘single molecule regulated chemistry (SMRC)’, where molecules are treated as building blocks in all processes involving chemical and biochemical reactions and solution occurs in one cell.
The single-molecule valve represents the first step towards that goal, which may one day revolutionize chemistry, biology and materials science, as well as revolutionize various industries,” said Professor Xu.
Their findings were published in Nano Letters.
Source; Osaka Metropolitan University
