Abstract: The disclosure is directed to nanoparticles used in creating nanostructure complexes in the presence of divalent cations. In particular, the disclosure is directed to nanoparticles that are coated with zwitterions and linker portions in a manner that facilitates nanostructure complex assembly while reducing or preventing non-specific spontaneous aggregation of nanoparticle in the presence of divalent cations. The disclosure also provides a method for preparing a nanoparticle coating of the present invention. Furthermore, the disclosure provides a method for assembling nanostructure complexes using coated nanoparticles with a scaffold.

Abstract: A multiped, capable of traveling in more than one direction along a molecular path in a nano-robotic system where the steps taken by the feet of the multiped are controlled in a sequence specific fashion, is presented. The feet of the multiped dock to footholds on the molecular path via cohesion with “set” molecules and are released from the footholds through the introduction of “unset” molecules that detach or strip away the “set” molecules.