Driving Smart Molecular Systems by Artificial Molecular Machines. (27th March 2020) - Shi, Zhao-Tao
Abstract : Biomolecular machines are widely present in nature, especially in complex living organisms, and are involved in important biological processes. Inspired by nature and increasingly mature synthetic technologies, a series of artificial molecular machines (AMMs) that exhibit similar processes and functions as biomolecular counterparts have been developed, and to date, some dramatic achievements have been obtained. Herein, the use of AMMs in smart systems and materials with controllable regulations and interesting functions are summarized, presenting the specific micro‐ to macroscale applications in solid surface modification, transmembrane transport, smart catalysts, liquid crystals, artificial molecular muscles, and stimuli‐responsive polymers. The challenges of developing novel complex AMMs with intelligent functions are discussed, and some potential solutions are proposed. Abstract : Artificial molecular machines provide an important platform to fabricate smart systems and materials, ranging from micro‐ to macroscale. The dramatic achievements in the fields of solid surface modification, transmembrane transport, smart catalysts, liquid crystals, artificial molecular muscles, and stimuli‐responsive polymers are summarized. Remaining challenges and potential solutions to develop novel complex artificial molecular machines with intelligent functions are also discussed.