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Entangling molecules with a tiny motor

delete2025-07-31
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AI
J
Jonathon E. Beves
DOI:10.1126/science.adz7646delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In nature, tiny molecular machines drive biological processes such as moving cargos and information through cells, storing energy, and disposing of waste. The first artificial molecular machines were created in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with long-term goals of capabilities to rival nature (1, 2). Since then, tiny molecular machines have been used as catalysts (3–5) for purposes including to select three-dimensional atomic arrangements in a molecule (6), to prepare a specific peptide sequence (7), or to form complex topological structures (8). In some cases, they can switch between different reaction outcomes or influence the frequency of a reaction. On page 526 of this issue, Wachsmuth et al. (9) report an artificial molecular motor that can twist a molecular thread (a linear chain of atoms) to form a mechanically interlocked molecule. This demonstrates how an artificial molecular machine can precisely control spatial and chemical bond formation.
Keywords:
molecular machines
artificial molecular motors
mechanically interlocked molecules
catalysis
spatial control

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Science cover
Science
IF:
45.8
Papers:
1.4W
Citations:
78.6W

Organization

U
University of New South Wales
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Citations: 0