A group of researchers(*) from Osaka University and Nagoya University solve the structure enabling the workings of a bacterial flagellar motor.

Powered by the electrochemical gradient of its coupling ion as its energy source, the flagellar motor rotates at a high speed with almost 100 percent energy conversion efficiency. It was found that when the stator was incorporated into a motor, part of the folded stator grew and bonded with the cell wall, thereby, activating the motor. The clarification of this basic operating principle is very important in developing promising super high efficient motors and nano-motors.

(*)Project Leaders:

• Graduate School of Science, Osaka University — IMADA Katsumi, Professor,
• Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University — KOJIMA Seiji, Associate Professor and HOMMA Michio, Professor

(Link) http://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/research/2014/20140901_1