Nonbubble‐Propelled Biodegradable Microtube Motors Consisting Only of Protein.

This paper describes the synthesis of protein microtube motors having a urease interior surface and highlights their nonbubble‐propelled behavior driven by enzymatic reaction (urea→NH3 and CO2). The precursor microtubes were prepared by layer‐by‐layer assembly using a track‐etched microporous polycarbonate membrane. Immobilization of a urease on the internal wall was accomplished using avidin–biotin interaction. The tubules swam smoothly in an aqueous media containing a physiological concentration of urea. Each tubule was rotating laterally while moving forward. It is remarkable that the microtubes were digested completely by proteases, demonstrating perfect biodegradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]