Prototyping bio-nanorobots using molecular dynamics simulation and virtual reality

This paper presents a molecular mechanics study using a molecular dynamics software (NAMD) coupled to virtual reality (VR) techniques for intuitive bio-nanorobotic prototyping. Using simulated bio-nano environments in VR, the operator can design and characterize through physical simulation and 3D visualization the behavior of protein-based components and structures. The main novelty of the proposed simulations is based on the characterization of stiffness performances of passive joints-based proteins (a-helix deca-alanine, repressor of primer protein and immunoglobulin protein) and active joints-based viral protein motor (VPL) in their native environment. Their use as elementary bio-nanorobotic components are also simulated and the results discussed. r 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: MJ
• Authors: Mustapha Hamdi, Antoine Ferreira, Gaurav Sharma, Constantinos Mavroidis
• Keywords: MJ 2008, Passive Joints-based Proteins, Protein, Viral Protein Motor