"Nanopumping molecules via a carbon nanotube" by Min Chen, Ji Zang et al.

Home > NANO-RESEARCH > Vol. 2 (2009) > No. 12

Article Title

Nanopumping molecules via a carbon nanotube

Authors

Min Chen, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China Department of Optoelectronic Technology, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan 610225, China Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
Ji Zang, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
Dingquan Xiao, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
C. Zhang, School of Engineering Physics, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
Feng Liu, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA

Keywords

Carbon nanotube, nanopumping, drug delivery, MD simualtion

Abstract

We demonstrate the feasibility of using a carbon nanotube to nanopump molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the transport and ejection of a C20 molecule via a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) can be achieved by a sustained mechanical actuation driven by two oscillating tips. The optimal condition for nanopumping is found when the tip oscillation frequency and magnitude correlate to form quasi steady-state mechanical wave propagation in the SWNT, so that the energy transfer process is optimal leading to maximal molecular translational motion and minimal rotational motion. Our finding provides a potentially useful mechanism for using an SWNT as a vehicle to deliver large drug molecules.