A design and feasibility study of reactions comprising DNA molecular machine that walks autonomously by using a restriction enzyme

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an autonomous molecular walking machine using DNA. This molecular machine follows a track of DNA equipped with many single-strand DNA stators arranged in a certain pattern. The molecular machine achieves autonomous walk by using a restriction enzyme as source of power. With a proposed machine we can control its moving direction and we can easily extend walking patterns in two or three dimensions. Combination of multiple legs and ssDNA stators can control the walking pattern. We designed and performed a series of feasibility study with computer simulation and molecular biology experiments.