Molecular machines are a class of molecules typically described as an assembly of a discrete number of molecular components intended to produce mechanical movements in response to specific stimuli, mimicking macromolecular devices such as switches and motors.

Using controlled molecular-level motion to generate force in the macroscopic world is an appealing task for molecular machines because this is, of course, how muscles work. In 2005, the groups of Leigh and Stoddart each reported artificial molecular machines capable of doing mechanical work.

2025年1月16日 · Molecular motors, also called molecular machines, are either natural or synthetic molecules that convert chemical energy into mechanical forces and motion. An example of a biological motor is...

2024年12月27日 · Researchers have successfully stabilized ferrocene molecules on a flat substrate for the first time, enabling the creation of an electronically controllable sliding molecular machine.

2020年3月3日 · Artificial molecular machines have captured the imagination of scientists and nonscientists alike for decades now, given their clear potential to transform and enhance all aspects of human life.

2016年11月22日 · These machines can synthesize or transport small molecules, and some have been shown to come together in large numbers to accomplish macroscopic work such as making objects bend, rotate or...

2015年9月8日 · Biological molecular machines are used to transport cargo about a cell (e.g., kinesin), to power the movement of organisms (e.g., bacterial flagellar motors), to synthesize proteins (e.g., the ribosome), and to separate strands of DNA (e.g., helicases).

2024年12月12日 · Researchers at Chiba University in Japan have created the world's smallest molecular machine, a ferrocene-based device that can perform reversible sliding motion when controlled by an electrical voltage.

Molecular machines—controllable nanoscale structures designed to carry out machinelike functions—are poised to become an integral part of human life.

2023年10月23日 · Natural molecular machines have inspired the development of artificial molecular machines, which have the potential to revolutionize several areas of technology. Artificial molecular machines commonly employ molecular switches, molecular motors, and molecular shuttles as fundamental building blocks.