Controlling chemistry with light-powered molecular machines

该项目旨在开发易于制备的合成分子，能够执行复杂的任务，如控制分子运动或信号放大，使用可见光作为燃料和报告机制。利用非破坏性的可见光来控制分子运动是科学中最基本的挑战之一。小分子“游泳者”的发展将代表该领域的一个里程碑式的进步。该项目的预期成果是利用可见光控制和监测合成小分子的运动和功能。这些基础研究应该通过减少从生产到处置过程中的能源消耗和浪费来造福社会。

This project aims to develop easily prepared synthetic molecules capable of performing complex tasks, such as controlled molecular motion or signal amplification, using visible light both as a fuel and a reporting mechanism. The challenge of using non-destructive visible light to control molecular motion is one of the most fundamental in science. The development of small molecular 'swimmers' would represent a landmark advance in the field. An expected outcome of the project is the control and monitoring of synthetic small molecule motion and function using visible light. These fundamental studies should benefit society by reducing energy consumption and waste during processes from production to disposal.