UNSW builds first synthetic protein motor that walks on DNA

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialJuly 6, 2026 at 11:20 PM

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UNSW builds first synthetic protein motor that walks on DNA

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have built the first artificial protein motor, named Tumbleweed, that takes controlled, directional steps along a DNA track. The motor alternates between three "feet" that bind to specific DNA sequences, and its movement is controlled by changing the surrounding chemical environment.

The Tumbleweed Motor

The synthetic protein, dubbed Tumbleweed, is the first artificial motor capable of taking controlled, directional steps along a DNA track. It uses three "feet" that bind to specific DNA sequences, alternating between them to move forward. The motor's direction and stepping can be controlled by altering the chemical environment, according to the UNSW team.

Potential Applications

The development opens possibilities for nanoscale devices that can transport cargo or perform mechanical tasks inside cells. The researchers suggest the motor could be used for targeted drug delivery or as a component in molecular assembly lines. Further work is needed to integrate the motor with other nanoscale systems.

What's Next

The UNSW team plans to test the motor in more complex environments, including within living cells. It remains unclear how the motor will perform under physiological conditions or whether it can be scaled for practical applications.

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UNSW builds first synthetic protein motor that walks on DNA

phys.org

Phys.org

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UNSW builds first synthetic protein motor that walks on DNA

The Tumbleweed Motor

Potential Applications

What's Next

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