Space Bio-robotics

BIO-NANO-MACHINES FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS PI: Constantinos Mavroidis, Ph.D., Associate Professor Computational Bio Nanorobotics Laboratory (CBNL) Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts The Team Dr. C. Mavroidis Dr. M. Yarmush Dr. John Kundert-Gibbs, Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering, Northeastern University Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University and MGH Director Digital Production Arts, Clemson University Atul Dubey PhD Student Rutgers University Ajay Ummat PhD Student Northeastern University Gaurav Sharma PhD Student Northeastern University Team Structure Introduction and Objectives • Identify and study computationally and experimentally protein and DNA configurations that can be used as bio-nano-machine components • Design two macro-scale devices with important space application that will be using bio-nanocomponent assemblies: – The Networked TerraXplorer (NTXp) – All Terrain Astronaut Bio-Nano Gears (ATB) The Concept • Nanorobots would constitute any “smart” structure capable of actuation, sensing, signaling, information processing, intelligence, and swarm behavior at nano scale. • Bio nanorobots – Nanorobots designed (and inspired) by harnessing properties of biological materials (peptides, DNAs), their designs and functionalities. These are inspired not only by nature but machines too. Motivation The motivation behind research in the field of bio nanorobots Why bio? • • • • • Several properties and functionalities (self replication, healing, adaptability, life, intelligence) exhibited by the nature (these materials) which are very desirable. Many mechanisms and machines (biochemical) associated with these materials are reversible and highly efficient (ATP synthase). Their diversity and availability. The applications – how nature which is made of up molecular machines translate it into macro application (see the figure) and hence an open source for innovative applications. Novel way of influencing nano world with these components – a possible industry enabler Collaboration A truly multidisciplinary field The Roadmap Automatic fabrication and information processing Bio Sensors A bio nano computational cell DNA Joints A bio nano robot Representative Assembly of bio components Distributive intelligence programming & control A Bio nano information processing component Assembled bio nanorobots HA a-helix Bio nano components STEP 1 Bio nano swarms STEP 2 STEP 3 Research Progression Conceptual automatic fabrication floor STEP 4 Macro-Nano Equivalence Structural Elements Metal, Plastic Polymer DNA, Nanotubes Actuators Electric Motors, Pneumatic Actuators, Smart Materials, Batteries, etc. ATPase, VPL Motor, DNA Macro-Nano Equivalence Sensors Light sensors, force sensors, position sensors, temperature sensors Rhodopsin, Heat Shock Factor Joints Revolute, Prismatic, Spherical Joints etc. DNA Nanodevices, Nanojoints Assembled Bionano Robots The assembly of functionally stable bionano components into complex assemblies. Potential methodologies for assembling bio nano components: Molecular docking method is very important for the design of nanorobotic systems. This method is utilized to fit two molecules together in 3D space Distributive Intelligence, Programming & Control Develop concepts that would enable collaboration among bionanorobots and hence development of “colonies”. i) Binding mechanism for swarm formations ii) Inter robotic signaling mechanisms, which would include molecula