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  • Perspective
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Towards artificial molecular factories from framework-embedded molecular machines

Nature Reviews Chemistry volume 4, pages 550–562 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Controlling cooperativity, synchronization, amplification and translation of intermolecular and intramolecular dynamics over different length scales for applications in stimuli-responsive robust solids are considered key challenges in materials sciences. In this Perspective, we discuss the possibility of embedding artificial molecular machines into heterogeneous robust frameworks with the goal of creating cooperatively working molecular factories. We describe the current progress in the design, synthesis and functioning of artificial molecular machines and outline current efforts organizing them in ordered assemblies and frameworks. On the basis of this discussion, design principles are given towards collectively working systems in which both the machine and the framework are active components. We further explore potential functionalities and applications of these systems, and discuss challenges and prospects for the future.

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Fig. 1: Organization of factories.
Fig. 2: Artificial molecular machines incorporated in the backbone of metal–organic frameworks.
Fig. 3: Arrangement of molecular machines.
Fig. 4: Coordination and organization of molecular machines.
Fig. 5: Excitation and utilization of molecular machines.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank W. Danowski and A. Lubbe for helpful discussion and proofreading. They thank the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Gravitation Program no. 024.001.035) for financial support. S.K. thanks the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for financial support and FlixBus for providing transportation during which the majority of this manuscript was written.

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  1. Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands

    Simon Krause & Ben L. Feringa

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Krause, S., Feringa, B.L. Towards artificial molecular factories from framework-embedded molecular machines. Nat Rev Chem 4, 550–562 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-020-0209-9

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