Twin-Engine Janus Supramolecular Nanomotors with Counterbalanced Motion

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polymer vesicles (stomatocytes) assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers offer a versatile platform for nanomotor construction.
• Developing nanomotors with multiple, controllable propulsion mechanisms is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer supramolecular nanomotors with dual, counterbalancing propulsion forces.
• To demonstrate switchable control over nanomotor motion by modulating competing forces.
• To explore the potential of these nanomotors in complex tasks like transportation and remediation.

Main Methods:

• Assembly of bowl-shaped polymer vesicles (stomatocytes) from poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polystyrene.
• Incorporation of catalase enzyme for chemically induced motion via hydrogen peroxide decomposition.
• Application of a hemispherical gold coating for near-infrared light-induced propulsion.
• Synchronous application of both propulsion methods to induce a "seesaw effect" motion.

Main Results:

• Successful creation of Janus-type twin-engine nanomotors with orthogonal propulsion mechanisms.
• Demonstration of a counterbalanced "seesaw effect" motion resulting from competing chemical and light-driven forces.
• Achieved precise control over nanomotor movement, including halting and directional steering, by manipulating H2O2 concentration and laser power.
• Verified the direction of enzyme-activated motion using the opposing forces.

Conclusions:

• The developed supramolecular nanomotors offer switchable control over their motile behavior through dual propulsion systems.
• The ability to modulate the "seesaw effect" allows for fine-tuning of nanomotor activity.
• These twin-engine nanomotors show significant promise for applications in active transport and environmental remediation.