Dual Q-dot transport on microtubule array with polarity defined by nanotracks and microtubule motility control

We successfully arrayed microtubules in nanotracks with defined polarities, and visualized the dual transport of Qdot525 and Qdot655, carried by kinesin and dynein, respectively. Focusing on an individual MT manipulation by a nanotrack, we improved orientation efficiency by up to 90%, in comparison to 70% that is accomplished using conventional methods. This was realized by integrating nanofabrications and MT motility control method, which oriented each MT polarity by introducing MT from only one end of the nanotrack. After immobilization of polar-defined MTs, Qdot-attached kinesin and Qdot-attached dynein were simultaneously transported to the plus and minus ends of the microtubules, respectively.