Photo-responsive Helical Motion by Light-Driven Molecular Motors in a Liquid-Crystal Network.

ABSTRACT: Controlling sophisticated motion by molecular motors is a major goal on the road to future actuators and soft robotics. Taking inspiration from biological motility and mechanical functions common to artificial machines, responsive small molecules have been used to achieve macroscopic effects, however, translating molecular movement along length scales to precisely defined linear, twisting and rotary motions remain particularly challenging. Here, we present the design, synthesis and functioning of liquid-crystal network (LCN) materials with intrinsic rotary motors that allow the conversion of light energy into reversible helical motion. In this responsive system the photochemical-driven molecular motor has a dual function operating both as chiral dopant and unidirectional rotor amplifying m

SUBMITTER: Hou J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8048625 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature