Semi-artificial Fluorescent Molecular Machine for DNA Damage Detection.

The design of artificial molecular machines is complicated because the mechanics used in macromachines is not readily adaptable for nano environments. We constructed a semi-artificial molecular device, which contains a naturally occurring molecular machine-a vaccinia virus encoded protein-linked with an artificial part. The self-assembled construct makes two fluorescently labeled detector units. It is the first sensor capable of selectively detecting different types of DNA breaks, exemplifying a practical approach to the design of molecular devices.