Open AccessMaking and Operating Molecular Machines: A Multidisciplinary Challenge
Author(s) -
Baroncini Massimo,
Casimiro Lorenzo,
de Vet Christiaan,
Groppi Jessica,
Silvi Serena,
Credi Alberto
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
chemistryopen
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2191-1363
DOI - 10.1002/open.201700181
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , molecular machine , variety (cybernetics) , exploit , living systems , computer science , biochemical engineering , nanotechnology , key (lock) , feature (linguistics) , artificial intelligence , data science , systems engineering , engineering , materials science , linguistics , philosophy , social science , computer security , sociology
Movement is one of the central attributes of life, and a key feature in many technological processes. While artificial motion is typically provided by macroscopic engines powered by internal combustion or electrical energy, movement in living organisms is produced by machines and motors of molecular size that typically exploit the energy of chemical fuels at ambient temperature to generate forces and ultimately execute functions. The progress in several areas of chemistry, together with an improved understanding of biomolecular machines, has led to the development of a large variety of wholly synthetic molecular machines. These systems have the potential to bring about radical innovations in several areas of technology and medicine. In this Minireview, we discuss, with the help of a few examples, the multidisciplinary aspects of research on artificial molecular machines and highlight its translational character.