Molecular machines working at interfaces: physics, chemistry, evolution and nanoarchitectonics

Area of Science:

• * Advanced Materials Science
• * Nanotechnology
• * Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• * Nanoarchitectonics integrates nanotechnology and materials science to create molecular machines.
• * Traditional studies analyzed dispersed molecular machines in solution.
• * High-resolution imaging often requires solid interfaces, high vacuum, and cryogenic conditions, limiting practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review the evolution of molecular machines within nanoarchitectonics.
• * To highlight their development in dynamic interfacial environments.
• * To discuss applications under ambient conditions.

Main Methods:

• * Review of existing literature on molecular machines.
• * Classification of interfacial environments: solid, liquid, and material/biological interfaces.
• * Analysis of molecular machine behavior in solution and at interfaces.

Main Results:

• * Molecular machines are transitioning from static solid interfaces to dynamic liquid interfaces.
• * Studies now focus on operation under ambient conditions, particularly in liquid interfaces like water surfaces.
• * Research encompasses interfaces with material and biological systems.

Conclusions:

• * Molecular machines are expanding their operational scope into more dynamic environments.
• * Their integration into macroscopic properties is achieved through collective behavior and mechanical control.
• * Future research includes interactions with biological systems, crucial for practical applications.