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Construction and Operation of a Light-driven Gold Nanorod Rotary Motor System
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A roadmap for next-generation nanomotors
Shuqin Chen1,2, Donglei Emma Fan3,4, Peer Fischer5,6,7,8
1Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
Nature Nanotechnology
|August 1, 2025
Summary
Nanomotor research has advanced significantly since 2004, exploring propulsion, collective behavior, and applications in medicine and environmental cleanup. Future work needs improved characterization, control, materials, and in vivo studies for theranostics and hybrid systems.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Nanomotor research has progressed rapidly since 2004.
- Key areas include propulsion mechanisms, collective behavior, and applications.
- Current applications span biomedicine and environmental remediation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of nanomotor research.
- To discuss challenges and future opportunities.
- To introduce the concept of 'systems materials'.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nanomotor research.
- Analysis of propulsion mechanisms and collective behavior.
- Exploration of current and potential applications.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding nanomotor dynamics and applications.
- Identification of key challenges in characterization, control, and materials.
- Highlighting opportunities in theranostics and hybrid systems.
Conclusions:
- Nanomotors hold promise for revolutionizing theranostics and creating 'living' hybrid systems.
- Overcoming challenges in advanced techniques and materials is crucial.
- The concept of 'systems materials' offers a new framework for development.
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