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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
08:40
Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
Engineering Highly Photoefficient and Function-Tunable Molecular Rotary Motors toward Sunlight Responsiveness
Junxu Ren1, Daisy R S Pooler2,3, Heng Guo1
1State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science & College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed highly photoefficient molecular motors (MMs) with tunable functions. A key design principle, para-formylation, enhances their performance for smart materials and dynamic systems.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Engineering
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Light-driven molecular rotary motors (MMs) are crucial for advanced adaptive systems and dynamic materials.
- Key challenges include designing MMs with high photoefficiency, tunable functionality, and structural integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a molecular engineering strategy for creating highly photoefficient MMs.
- To investigate the impact of late-stage modifications on MM performance.
- To identify design principles for enhancing MM photoefficiency.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized a family of first-generation MMs via late-stage modification of a scaffold.
- Systematically varied functional groups to tune motor properties.
- Evaluated photoefficiency, functional properties, and rotary speed in solution and polymer matrices.
Main Results:
- Achieved highly photoefficient MMs with diverse functional groups.
- Demonstrated precise tuning of photoefficiency, functionality, and speed through structural modifications.
- Identified para-formylation as a key strategy for enhancing photoefficiency.
Conclusions:
- The presented strategy enables the creation of high-performance MMs with tailored functionalities.
- Photoefficient MMs show excellent responsiveness to sunlight in various environments.
- This work provides valuable insights for designing future molecular machines and dynamic molecular systems.
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