An Artificial Molecular Transducer Driven by Molecular Recognition

Nature's biological machines employ signaling molecules to regulate complex functions, but replicating these functions in artificial systems remains challenging. Here, we report an artificial molecular transducer whose operation is driven by the molecular recognition of exogenous signaling molecules. The transducer lacks an effective binding cavity in its as-prepared form. Treatment with appropriate signaling molecules then induces conformational changes that create an accessible cavity suitable for guest recognition. Using anthracene as a photoresponsive signaling molecule enables control over guest binding and release. This allows the transducer to mediate the transport of representative small molecules across a centimeter-thick aqueous layer in both down-gradient and up-gradient modes, and to promote a transport-enabled bioorthogonal reaction.