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This research group focuses on the development of biologically-based machines that use light as
energy source and as the on/off control mechanism. Several energy forms can be used for
nanodevices, including chemical, electrical and light (photonic) energy. Light energy has many
advantages over other forms of energy.
The CSIR intends building a modular light-powered motor, with three sections:
- Light harvesting: Chlorophylls absorb light and the excitation energy is transferred by light
harvesting complexes for transporting onto an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generating system.
- Energy transfer: An ATP-synthase complex and photosynthetic reaction centre(s) incorporated
into a lipid vesicle (called a pheroid). This component generates the ATP energy enabling Kinesin
to move the microtubulin
- The motor component: such as Kinesin and associated microtubulin. Preliminary experiments
have been conducted in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical Science, North-West
University (Potchefstroom campus), illustrating the incorporation of photosynthetic material into
pheroids.
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