1
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Borsley S, Leigh DA, Roberts BMW. Molecular Ratchets and Kinetic Asymmetry: Giving Chemistry Direction. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202400495. [PMID: 38568047 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202400495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades ratchet mechanisms have transformed the understanding and design of stochastic molecular systems-biological, chemical and physical-in a move away from the mechanical macroscopic analogies that dominated thinking regarding molecular dynamics in the 1990s and early 2000s (e.g. pistons, springs, etc), to the more scale-relevant concepts that underpin out-of-equilibrium research in the molecular sciences today. Ratcheting has established molecular nanotechnology as a research frontier for energy transduction and metabolism, and has enabled the reverse engineering of biomolecular machinery, delivering insights into how molecules 'walk' and track-based synthesisers operate, how the acceleration of chemical reactions enables energy to be transduced by catalysts (both motor proteins and synthetic catalysts), and how dynamic systems can be driven away from equilibrium through catalysis. The recognition of molecular ratchet mechanisms in biology, and their invention in synthetic systems, is proving significant in areas as diverse as supramolecular chemistry, systems chemistry, dynamic covalent chemistry, DNA nanotechnology, polymer and materials science, molecular biology, heterogeneous catalysis, endergonic synthesis, the origin of life, and many other branches of chemical science. Put simply, ratchet mechanisms give chemistry direction. Kinetic asymmetry, the key feature of ratcheting, is the dynamic counterpart of structural asymmetry (i.e. chirality). Given the ubiquity of ratchet mechanisms in endergonic chemical processes in biology, and their significance for behaviour and function from systems to synthesis, it is surely just as fundamentally important. This Review charts the recognition, invention and development of molecular ratchets, focussing particularly on the role for which they were originally envisaged in chemistry, as design elements for molecular machinery. Different kinetically asymmetric systems are compared, and the consequences of their dynamic behaviour discussed. These archetypal examples demonstrate how chemical systems can be driven inexorably away from equilibrium, rather than relax towards it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Borsley
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David A Leigh
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M W Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PL, Manchester, United Kingdom
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2
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Deng Y, Long G, Zhang Y, Zhao W, Zhou G, Feringa BL, Chen J. Photo-responsive functional materials based on light-driven molecular motors. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2024; 13:63. [PMID: 38429259 PMCID: PMC10907585 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-024-01391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
In the past two decades, the research and development of light-triggered molecular machines have mainly focused on developing molecular devices at the nanoscale. A key scientific issue in the field is how to amplify the controlled motion of molecules at the nanoscale along multiple length scales, such as the mesoscopic or the macroscopic scale, or in a more practical perspective, how to convert molecular motion into changes of properties of a macroscopic material. Light-driven molecular motors are able to perform repetitive unidirectional rotation upon irradiation, which offers unique opportunities for responsive macroscopic systems. With several reviews that focus on the design, synthesis and operation of the motors at the nanoscale, photo-responsive macroscopic materials based on light-driven molecular motors have not been comprehensively summarized. In the present review, we first discuss the strategy of confining absolute molecular rotation into relative rotation by grafting motors on surfaces. Secondly, examples of self-assemble motors in supramolecular polymers with high internal order are illustrated. Moreover, we will focus on building of motors in a covalently linked system such as polymeric gels and polymeric liquid crystals to generate complex responsive functions. Finally, a perspective toward future developments and opportunities is given. This review helps us getting a more and more clear picture and understanding on how complex movement can be programmed in light-responsive systems and how man-made adaptive materials can be invented, which can serve as an important guideline for further design of complex and advanced responsive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Deng
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guiying Long
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yang Zhang
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ben L Feringa
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jiawen Chen
- SCNU-UG International Joint Laboratory of Molecular Science and Displays, National Center for International Research on Green Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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3
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Stähler C, Reynaerts R, Rinkovec T, Verstraete L, Heideman GH, Minoia A, Harvey JN, Mali KS, De Feyter S, Feringa BL. Highly Ordered Co-Assembly of Bisurea Functionalized Molecular Switches at the Solid-Liquid Interface. Chemistry 2024:e202303994. [PMID: 38323675 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Immobilization of stimulus-responsive systems on solid surfaces is beneficial for controlled signal transmission and adaptive behavior while allowing the characterization of the functional interface with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. Positioning of the stimuli-responsive units with nanometer-scale precision across the adaptive surface remains one of the bottlenecks in the extraction of cooperative function. Nanoscale organization, cooperativity, and amplification remain key challenges in bridging the molecular and the macroscopic worlds. Here we report on the design, synthesis, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) characterization of overcrowded alkene photoswitches merged in self-assembled networks physisorbed at the solid-liquid interface. A detailed anchoring strategy that ensures appropriate orientation of the switches with respect to the solid surface through the use of bis-urea groups is presented. We implement a co-assembly strategy that enables the merging of the photoswitches within physisorbed monolayers of structurally similar 'spacer' molecules. The self-assembly of the individual components and the co-assemblies was examined in detail using (sub)molecular resolution STM which confirms the robust immobilization and controlled orientation of the photoswitches within the spacer monolayers. The experimental STM data is supported by detailed molecular mechanics (MM) simulations. Different designs of the switches and the spacers were investigated which allowed us to formulate guidelines that enable the precise organization of the photoswitches in crystalline physisorbed self-assembled molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima Stähler
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robby Reynaerts
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tamara Rinkovec
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lander Verstraete
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
- imec, Kapeldreef 75, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - G Henrieke Heideman
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Minoia
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Materials Research Institute, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jeremy N Harvey
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kunal S Mali
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Feyter
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Liu L, Fang WH, Martinez TJ. A Nitrogen Out-of-Plane (NOOP) Mechanism for Imine-Based Light-Driven Molecular Motors. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:6888-6898. [PMID: 36920260 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Light-driven molecular motors have generated considerable interest due to their potential applications in material and biological systems. Recently, Greb and Lehn reported a new class of molecular motors, chiral N-alkyl imines, which undergo unidirectional rotation induced by light and heat. The mechanism of unidirectional motion in molecular motors containing a C═N group has been assumed to consist of photoinduced torsion about the double bond. In this work, we present a computational study of the photoisomerization dynamics of a chiral N-alkyl imine motor. We find that the location and energetics of minimal energy conical intersections (MECIs) alone are insufficient to understand the mechanism of the motor. Furthermore, a key part of the mechanism consists of out-of-plane distortions of the N atom (followed by isomerization about the double bond). Dynamic effects and out-of-plane distortions are critical to understand the observed (rather low) quantum yield for photoisomerization. Our results provide hints as to how the photoisomerization quantum yield might be increased, improving the efficiency of this class of molecular motors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.,Department of Chemistry and PULSE Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.,SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Wei-Hai Fang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Todd J Martinez
- Department of Chemistry and PULSE Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.,SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
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5
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Chan MHY, Yam VWW. Toward the Design and Construction of Supramolecular Functional Molecular Materials Based on Metal–Metal Interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:22805-22825. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ho-Yeung Chan
- Institute of Molecular Functional Materials, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Vivian Wing-Wah Yam
- Institute of Molecular Functional Materials, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
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6
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Pfeifer L, Hoang NV, Crespi S, Pshenichnikov MS, Feringa BL. Dual-function artificial molecular motors performing rotation and photoluminescence. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd0410. [PMID: 36332022 PMCID: PMC9635830 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular machines have caused one of the greatest paradigm shifts in chemistry, and by powering artificial mechanical molecular systems and enabling autonomous motion, they are expected to be at the heart of exciting new technologies. One of the biggest challenges that still needs to be addressed is designing the involved molecules to combine different orthogonally controllable functions. Here, we present a prototype of artificial molecular motors exhibiting the dual function of rotary motion and photoluminescence. Both properties are controlled by light of different wavelengths or by exploiting motors' outstanding two-photon absorption properties using low-intensity near-infrared light. This provides a noninvasive way to both locate and operate these motors in situ, essential for the application of molecular machines in complex (bio)environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Pfeifer
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nong V. Hoang
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stefano Crespi
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maxim S. Pshenichnikov
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ben L. Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, Netherlands
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7
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Bach NN, Josef V, Maid H, Dube H. Active Mechanical Threading by a Molecular Motor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202201882. [PMID: 35146857 PMCID: PMC9314141 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202201882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Molecular motors transform external energy input into directional motions and offer exquisite precision for nano‐scale manipulations. To make full use of molecular motor capacities, their directional motions need to be transmitted and used for powering downstream molecular events. Here we present a macrocyclic molecular motor structure able to perform repetitive molecular threading of a flexible tetraethylene glycol chain through the macrocycle. This mechanical threading event is actively powered by the motor and leads to a direct translation of the unidirectional motor rotation into unidirectional translation motion (chain versus ring). The mechanism of the active mechanical threading is elucidated and the actual threading step is identified as a combined helix inversion and threading event. The established molecular machine function resembles the crucial step of macroscopic weaving or sewing processes and therefore offers a first entry point to a “molecular knitting” counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai N Bach
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Josef
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Maid
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Henry Dube
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
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8
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Borsley S, Kreidt E, Leigh DA, Roberts BMW. Autonomous fuelled directional rotation about a covalent single bond. Nature 2022; 604:80-85. [PMID: 35388198 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Biology operates through autonomous chemically fuelled molecular machinery1, including rotary motors such as adenosine triphosphate synthase2 and the bacterial flagellar motor3. Chemists have long sought to create analogous molecular structures with chemically powered, directionally rotating, components4-17. However, synthetic motor molecules capable of autonomous 360° directional rotation about a single bond have proved elusive, with previous designs lacking either autonomous fuelling7,10,12 or directionality6. Here we show that 1-phenylpyrrole 2,2'-dicarboxylic acid18,19 (1a) is a catalysis-driven20,21 motor that can continuously transduce energy from a chemical fuel9,20-27 to induce repetitive 360° directional rotation of the two aromatic rings around the covalent N-C bond that connects them. On treatment of 1a with a carbodiimide21,25-27, intramolecular anhydride formation between the rings and the anhydride's hydrolysis both occur incessantly. Both reactions are kinetically gated28-30 causing directional bias. Accordingly, catalysis of carbodiimide hydration by the motor molecule continuously drives net directional rotation around the N-C bond. The directionality is determined by the handedness of both an additive that accelerates anhydride hydrolysis and that of the fuel, and is easily reversed additive31. More than 97% of fuel molecules are consumed through the chemical engine cycle24 with a directional bias of up to 71:29 with a chirality-matched fuel and additive. In other words, the motor makes a 'mistake' in direction every three to four turns. The 26-atom motor molecule's simplicity augurs well for its structural optimization and the development of derivatives that can be interfaced with other components for the performance of work and tasks32-36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Borsley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elisabeth Kreidt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David A Leigh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Kaletová E, Santos Hurtado C, Císařová I, Teat SJ, Kaleta J. Triptycene-Based Molecular Rods for Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayers. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202200023. [PMID: 35195369 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Herein we introduce fully modular synthesis leading to three representative examples of rigid molecular rods that are intended to form sturdy monolayers on various surfaces. These molecules contain two triptycene units that are designed to interlock into a compact "double-decker" structure. Two of the three final products provided suitable crystals for X-ray diffraction (analyzed on synchrotron), allowing deeper insight into packing in the 3-D crystal lattice. The acidity of all three compounds were determined by capillary electrophoresis, and the pKa values ranged between 2.06-2.53. All three rigid rods easily formed Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers (LBMs) on the water-air interfaces, with the area per molecule equal to 55-59 Å2 /molecule, suggesting tight intermolecular packing. The thickness of all three films reached ∼19 Å after transfer to a gold (111) surface, meaning that individual molecules are tilted maximally 38° from the axis perpendicular to the surface. The structure of one of these films on a gold (111) surface was visualized by AFM. These geometrically unique molecules represent promising platforms with a wide scope of applicability in the supramolecular architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Kaletová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Carina Santos Hurtado
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Císařová
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Hlavova 2030, 12840, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Simon J Teat
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jiří Kaleta
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS, Flemingovo nám. 2, 160 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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10
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Liao J, Feng Y, Zhang J, Li H, Zhou G. Asymmetric chiral disazo dopants with high anisotropy for versatile modulation of liquid crystal optics. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Bach NN, Josef V, Maid H, Dube H. Active Mechanical Threading by a Molecular Motor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202201882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai N. Bach
- FAU: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Chemistry and Pharmacy GERMANY
| | - Verena Josef
- FAU: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Chemistry and Pharmacy GERMANY
| | - Harald Maid
- FAU: Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Chemistry and Pharmacy GERMANY
| | - Henry Dube
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg Chemistry and Pharmacy Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 10 91058 Erlangen GERMANY
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12
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Zhang G, Rocha S, Lu G, Yuan H, Uji-i H, Floudas GA, Müllen K, Xiao L, Hofkens J, Debroye E. Spatially and Temporally Resolved Heterogeneities in a Miscible Polymer Blend. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:23931-23939. [PMID: 32984713 PMCID: PMC7513360 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mapping the spatial and temporal heterogeneities in miscible polymer blends is critical for understanding and further improving their material properties. However, a complete picture on the heterogeneous dynamics is often obscured in ensemble measurements. Herein, the spatial and temporal heterogeneities in fully miscible polystyrene/oligostyrene blend films are investigated by monitoring the rotational diffusion of embedded individual probe molecules using defocused wide-field fluorescence microscopy. In the same blend film, three significantly different types of dynamical behaviors (referred to as modes) of the probe molecules can be observed at the same time, namely, immobile, continuously rotating, and intermittently rotating probe molecules. This reveals a prominent spatial heterogeneity in local dynamics at the nanometer scale. In addition to that, temporal heterogeneity is uncovered by the nonexponential characteristic of the rotational autocorrelation functions of single-molecule probes. Moreover, the occurrence probabilities of these different modes strongly depend on the polystyrene: oligostyrene ratios in the blend films. Remarkably, some probe molecules switch between the continuous and intermittent rotational modes at elevated temperature, indicating a possible alteration in local dynamics that is triggered by the dynamic heterogeneity in the blends. Although some of these findings can be discussed by the self-concentration model and the results provided by ensemble averaging techniques (e.g., dielectric spectroscopy), there are implications that go beyond current models of blend dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute
of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme
Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Susana Rocha
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Gang Lu
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
- Institute
of Advanced Materials & Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Haifeng Yuan
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Hiroshi Uji-i
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
- Research
Institute for Electronic Science (RIES), Hokkaido University, N20W10, Sapporo City 001-0020, Japan
| | - George A. Floudas
- Department
of Physics, University of Ioannina, GR-45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Max
Plank Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz D-55128, Germany
| | - Klaus Müllen
- Max
Plank Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz D-55128, Germany
| | - Liantuan Xiao
- State
Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute
of Laser Spectroscopy, Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme
Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, 030006, China
| | - Johan Hofkens
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
- Max
Plank Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz D-55128, Germany
| | - Elke Debroye
- Department
of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 F, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
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13
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Singhania A, Ghosh I, Sahoo P, Fujita D, Ghosh S, Bandyopadhyay A. Radio Waveguide-Double Ratchet Rotors Work in Unison on a Surface to Convert Heat into Power. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:6891-6898. [PMID: 32787137 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c02898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Synchronizing thousands of 100% efficient rotors in a macrodevice for harvesting noise is unapprehended. Thermodynamically, realizing a thermal gradient at the atomic scale is critical. Harvesting free thermal energy or noise by resonance has a hidden clause; either externally activating a directed self-powered motion or constructing a nanoscale power supply. To accomplish this, we combined two rotor concepts, Brownian rotor, BR, and power stroke, PS, rotors available in living systems in two planes of a single molecule. Quantum tunneling images reveal how a radio-wave guided synchronization of PS-BR combination tweaks rotational dynamics of a rotor to bypass the necessity of temperature gradient (ΔT). Live imaging of thermal noise movement as electron density between a pair of molecular planes helped in optimizing the rotor design. The rotor's monolayer harvests heat from the liquid's Brownian noise and electromagnetic noise, together delivering a finite, usable power. The chip supplies the power if we wet the surface or shine electric noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Singhania
- Chemical Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-NEIST Campus, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India
| | - Indrani Ghosh
- International Center for Materials and Nanoarchitectronics (MANA) and ▽Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization (RCAMC), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan
| | - Pathik Sahoo
- International Center for Materials and Nanoarchitectronics (MANA) and ▽Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization (RCAMC), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan
| | | | - Subrata Ghosh
- Chemical Science and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-NEIST Campus, Jorhat, Assam 785006, India
| | - Anirban Bandyopadhyay
- International Center for Materials and Nanoarchitectronics (MANA) and ▽Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization (RCAMC), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047, Japan
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Corra S, Curcio M, Baroncini M, Silvi S, Credi A. Photoactivated Artificial Molecular Machines that Can Perform Tasks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1906064. [PMID: 31957172 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201906064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Research on artificial photoactivated molecular machines has moved in recent years from a basic scientific endeavor toward a more applicative effort. Nowadays, the prospect of reproducing the operation of natural nanomachines with artificial counterparts is no longer a dream but a concrete possibility. The progress toward the construction of molecular-machine-based devices and materials in which light irradiation results in the execution of a task as a result of nanoscale movements is illustrated here. After a brief description of a few basic types of photoactivated molecular machines, significant examples of their exploitation to perform predetermined functions are presented. These include switchable catalysts, nanoactuators that interact with cellular membranes, transporters of small molecular cargos, and active joints capable of mechanically coupling molecular-scale movements. Investigations aimed at harnessing the collective operation of a multitude of molecular machines organized in arrays to perform tasks at the microscale and macroscale in hard and soft materials are also reviewed. Surfaces, gels, liquid crystals, polymers, and self-assembled nanostructures are described wherein the nanoscale movement of embedded molecular machines is amplified, allowing the realization of muscle-like actuators, microfluidic devices, and polymeric materials for light energy transduction and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Corra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università di Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Curcio
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università di Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Baroncini
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università di Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Silvi
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Università di Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Credi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari, Università di Bologna, Viale Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
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15
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Huang C, Ciesielski A, Samorì P. Molecular Springs: Integration of Complex Dynamic Architectures into Functional Devices. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201914931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang‐Bo Huang
- University of StrasbourgCNRSISIS UMR 7006 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge F-67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Artur Ciesielski
- University of StrasbourgCNRSISIS UMR 7006 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge F-67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Paolo Samorì
- University of StrasbourgCNRSISIS UMR 7006 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge F-67000 Strasbourg France
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16
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Huang CB, Ciesielski A, Samorì P. Molecular Springs: Integration of Complex Dynamic Architectures into Functional Devices. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:7319-7330. [PMID: 31898855 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201914931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Molecular/supramolecular springs are artificial nanoscale objects possessing well-defined structures and tunable physicochemical properties. Like a macroscopic spring, supramolecular springs are capable of switching their nanoscale conformation as a response to external stimuli by undergoing mechanical spring-like motions. This dynamic action offers intriguing opportunities for engineering molecular nanomachines by translating the stimuli-responsive nanoscopic motions into macroscopic work. These nanoscopic objects are reversible dynamic multifunctional architectures which can express a variety of novel properties and behave as adaptive nanoscopic systems. In this Minireview, we focus on the design and structure-property relationships of supramolecular springs and their (self-)assembly as a prerequisite towards the generation of novel dynamic materials featuring controlled movements to be readily integrated into macroscopic devices for applications in sensing, robotics, and the internet of things.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Bo Huang
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Artur Ciesielski
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Paolo Samorì
- University of Strasbourg, CNRS, ISIS UMR 7006, 8 Alleé Gaspard Monge, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
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17
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García-López V, Liu D, Tour JM. Light-Activated Organic Molecular Motors and Their Applications. Chem Rev 2019; 120:79-124. [PMID: 31849216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular motors are at the heart of cellular machinery, and they are involved in converting chemical and light energy inputs into efficient mechanical work. From a synthetic perspective, the most advanced molecular motors are rotators that are activated by light wherein a molecular subcomponent rotates unidirectionally around an axis. The mechanical work produced by arrays of molecular motors can be used to induce a macroscopic effect. Light activation offers advantages over biological chemically activated molecular motors because one can direct precise spatiotemporal inputs while conducting reactions in the gas phase, in solution and in vacuum, while generating no chemical byproducts or waste. In this review, we describe the origins of the first light-activated rotary motors and their modes of function, the structural modifications that led to newer motor designs with optimized rotary properties at variable activation wavelengths. Presented are molecular motor attachments to surfaces, their insertion into supramolecular structures and photomodulating materials, their use in catalysis, and their action in biological environments to produce exciting new prospects for biomedicine.
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18
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Abstract
Directed motion at the nanoscale is a central attribute of life, and chemically driven motor proteins are nature's choice to accomplish it. Motivated and inspired by such bionanodevices, in the past few decades chemists have developed artificial prototypes of molecular motors, namely, multicomponent synthetic species that exhibit directionally controlled, stimuli-induced movements of their parts. In this context, photonic and redox stimuli represent highly appealing modes of activation, particularly from a technological viewpoint. Here we describe the evolution of the field of photo- and redox-driven artificial molecular motors, and we provide a comprehensive review of the work published in the past 5 years. After an analysis of the general principles that govern controlled and directed movement at the molecular scale, we describe the fundamental photochemical and redox processes that can enable its realization. The main classes of light- and redox-driven molecular motors are illustrated, with a particular focus on recent designs, and a thorough description of the functions performed by these kinds of devices according to literature reports is presented. Limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of the field are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Baroncini
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures , Istituto ISOF-CNR , via Gobetti 101 , 40129 Bologna , Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari , Università di Bologna , viale Fanin 44 , 40127 Bologna , Italy
| | - Serena Silvi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures , Istituto ISOF-CNR , via Gobetti 101 , 40129 Bologna , Italy.,Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician" , Università di Bologna , via Selmi 2 , 40126 Bologna , Italy
| | - Alberto Credi
- CLAN-Center for Light Activated Nanostructures , Istituto ISOF-CNR , via Gobetti 101 , 40129 Bologna , Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-alimentari , Università di Bologna , viale Fanin 44 , 40127 Bologna , Italy
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19
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Hoffmann K, Mayer P, Dube H. A hemithioindigo molecular motor for metal surface attachment. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:1979-1983. [DOI: 10.1039/c8ob02424c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We report on the synthesis of a hemithioindigo molecular motor bearing thioether feet for metal surface attachment and a comprehensive study of its light induced unidirectional motion in solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hoffmann
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Department für Chemie and Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM
- D-81377 Munich
- Germany
| | - Peter Mayer
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Department für Chemie and Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM
- D-81377 Munich
- Germany
| | - Henry Dube
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Department für Chemie and Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science CIPSM
- D-81377 Munich
- Germany
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20
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Chen J, Vachon J, Feringa BL. Design, Synthesis, and Isomerization Studies of Light-Driven Molecular Motors for Single Molecular Imaging. J Org Chem 2018; 83:6025-6034. [PMID: 29741383 PMCID: PMC5987184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
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The
design of a multicomponent system that aims at the direct visualization
of a synthetic rotary motor at the single molecule level on surfaces
is presented. The synthesis of two functional motors enabling photochemical
rotation and fluorescent detection is described. The light-driven
molecular motor is found to operate in the presence of a fluorescent
tag if a rigid long rod (32 Å) is installed between both photoactive
moieties. The photochemical isomerization and subsequent thermal helix
inversion steps are confirmed by 1H NMR and UV–vis
absorption spectroscopies. In addition, the tetra-acid functioned
motor can be successfully grafted onto amine-coated quartz and it
is shown that the light responsive rotary motion on surfaces is preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Chen
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jérôme Vachon
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747AG Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry , University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 4 , 9747AG Groningen , The Netherlands
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