Force generation by a propagating wave of supramolecular nanofibers

Dynamic spatiotemporal patterns that arise from out-of-equilibrium biochemical reactions generate forces in living cells. Despite considerable recent efforts, rational design of spatiotemporal patterns in artificial molecular systems remains at an early stage of development. Here, we describe force generation by a propagating wave of supramolecular nanofibers. Inspired by actin dynamics, a reaction network is designed to control the formation and degradation of nanofibers by two chemically orthogonal stimuli. Real-time fluorescent imaging successfully visualizes the propagating wave based on spatiotemporally coupled generation and collapse of nanofibers. Numerical simulation indicates that the concentration gradient of degradation stimulus and the smaller diffusion coefficient of the nanofiber are critical for wave emergence. Moreover, the force (0.005 pN) generated by chemophoresis and/or depletion force of this propagating wave can move nanobeads along the wave direction.