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A new way to use the chemical reactions of certain enzymes to trigger self-powered mechanical movement has been developed by a team of researchers at Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh. Potential uses of the self-powered enzyme “micropumps” include detecting substances, moving particles to build small structures and delivering medications.
The researchers say other potential uses include: the release of insulin to a diabetes patient from a reservoir at a rate proportional to the concentration of glucose in the person's blood and an enzyme pump that is triggered by nerve toxins to release an antidote agent to decontaminate and treat an exposed person.Image credit: University of Pittsburgh
