Mechanics of Active Slide-Ring Networks: from Molecular Motors to Molecular Machine

有源滑环网络的力学：从分子马达到分子机器

基本信息

批准号：
2023179
负责人：
Franck Vernerey
金额：
$ 47.7万
依托单位：
University of Colorado at Boulder
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
Standard Grant
财政年份：
2021
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2021-01-01 至 2025-05-31
项目状态：
未结题

来源：
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2023179&HistoricalAwards=false
关键词：
Mechanics Active Slide Ring Networks

项目摘要

This grant will focus on understanding how the molecular structure of novel polymers affects their ability to contract - similar to how natural muscles contract and lengthen to generate motion and force. Most soft biological materials rely on the efficient transfer of mechanical work from nanoscopic molecular motors to the macroscale. This is ensured by a sophisticated and architected internal network. That network consists of molecular machines that cooperatively “pull” on polymer “ropes”. This action is a microscopic tug-of-war that drives contraction. This project will focus on the replication of such mechanisms by combining artificial molecular machines (rotaxanes). For this, the project will develop a multiscale model, complemented by experiments, that can bridge active molecular mechanisms and the macroscopic response. Outcomes of this research will enable the creation of active materials/machines with a myriad of biomechanical applications. It will also promote collaborations and inspire a new generation of researchers at the edge of mechanics and materials science. Planned activities include active learning modules for high-school and undergraduate students, the involvement of these students in research, and the dissemination of research findings in social media.The specific goal of the research is to understand the relationship between molecular mechanisms in slide-ring gels, the energy input in molecular motors, and the emergent contraction of the macroscopic gel. For this, the research project will integrate theoretical/computational mechanics, chemical synthesis, and mechanical characterization in a feed-back loop, where model and experiments will learn from one-another. The model, based on statistical mechanics, will provide a clear connection between molecular processes (ring sliding, ring collapse, …) and the macroscopic rheology, elasticity, and contraction. In turn, experiments will be guided by the model so that a rational design can be achieved. The objectives of the project are specifically to (a) develop a model for isotropic topological gels to connect molecular architecture and mechanical response, (b) use this model to explore the mechanics of anisotropic slide-ring/cellulose networks, and (c) investigate and identify conditions that amplify the force transfer across scales during contraction. Through these aims, the project will advance the inner workings of slide ring networks to be used as molecular machines and enable the rational development of a biomimetic material capable of contracting as does natural muscle.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

该赠款将集中于理解新型聚合物的分子结构如何影响其收缩的能力 - 类似于自然肌肉收缩和长度产生运动和力的长度。大多数软生物学材料都依赖于机械工作从纳米镜分子电动机到宏观的有效转移。这是由复杂且架构的内部网络确保的。该网络由分子机组成，它们在聚合物“绳索”上协调地“拉”。该动作是一种驱动收缩的微观拔河。该项目将通过结合人工分子机（Rotaxanes）来重复此类机制的复制。为此，该项目将开发通过实验完成的多尺度模型，该模型可以弥合活性分子机制和宏观响应。这项研究的结果将使通过无数生物力学应用创建活性材料/机器。它还将促进合作，并激发新一代研究人员在机制和材料科学的边缘。计划的活动包括为高中和本科生的积极学习模块，这些学生参与研究的参与以及在社交媒体中的研究结果传播。该研究的具体目标是了解滑环凝胶中分子机制之间的关系，分子运动中的能量输入，以及分子运动中的能量输入，以及对镜头镜的新兴介绍。为此，该研究项目将在馈回循环中整合理论/计算力学，化学合成和机械表征，在此过程中，模型和实验将向单独的一个人学习。该模型基于统计力学，将在分子过程（环滑，环塌陷等）与宏观流变学，弹性和收缩之间提供明确的联系。反过来，实验将由模型指导，以便可以实现合理的设计。该项目的目标是（a）开发各向同性拓扑凝胶的模型，以连接分子体系结构和机械响应，（b）使用此模型来探索各向异性滑环/纤维素网络的机制，以及（c）研究和识别在构造过程中扩增力跨尺度传递的条件。通过这些目标，该项目将推进幻灯片网络的内部运作，以用作分子机器，并能够像自然肌肉一样合理地开发能够收缩的仿生材料。该奖项反映了NSF的法定任务，并被认为是通过基金会的知识和更广泛的影响来通过评估来获得支持的珍贵的支持，这些奖项是珍贵的。