EPL, 84 (2008) 50009
DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/84/50009

Interaction of molecular motors can enhance their efficiency

F. Slanina

Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic - Na Slovance 2, CZ-18221 Praha, Czech Republic, EU

slanina@fzu.cz

received 29 July 2008; accepted in final form 4 November 2008; published December 2008
published online 16 December 2008

Abstract
Particles moving in oscillating potential with broken mirror symmetry are considered. We calculate their energetic efficiency, when acting as molecular motors carrying a load against external force. It is shown that interaction between particles enhances the efficiency in a wide range of parameters. Possible consequences for artificial molecular motors are discussed.

PACS
05.40.-a - Fluctuation phenomena, random processes, noise, and Brownian motion.
87.16.Nn - Motor proteins (myosin, kinesin dynein).
07.10.Cm - Micromechanical devices and systems.

© EPLA 2008