Directed Reconfigurable Nanomachines

定向可重构纳米机械我们提出了一种方案，通过分子和纳米级构建块的位置组装，彻底改变纳米设备、纳米机械以及最终功能材料的合成。计算机控制的致动器将被用来沿着预先定义的和完全确定的轨迹驱动纳米系统的元件(精度从亚纳米到亚埃斯特罗姆)，从而实现仅靠模仿自然组装策略无法获得的结构。积木之间的连接和结合也将由直接的计算机控制来启动、调节和在某些情况下终止。我们的建议基于新的表面绑定的、可重新配置的纳米级构建块(分子、功能化的簇、纳米颗粒)和先进的物质自动组装技术的并行开发。我们专注于为位置组装的纳米机器产生两个主要的和极具挑战性的功能：可切换的能量传递和构象驱动的运动。我们的原型系统包括以下单元：能量收集器、可切换/可门链路以及光学或机械输出。通过安排、配置和触发这些基本单元，我们的长期目标不亚于制造一台自主的、非生物的纳米机器。

Directed Reconfigurable NanomachinesWe propose a scheme to revolutionise the synthesis of nanodevices, nanomachines, and, ultimately, functional materials via the positional assembly of molecules and nanoscale building blocks. Computer-directed actuators will be used to drive (with sub-nanometre to sub-Angstrom precision) the elements of a nanosystem along pre-defined and entirely deterministic trajectories, thereby achieving structures not accessible by mimicking natural assembly strategies alone. Linkages and bonding between the building blocks will also be initiated, modulated, and - in some cases - terminated by direct computer control. Our proposal rests on the parallel development of novel surface-bound, reconfigurable nanoscale building blocks (molecules, functionalised clusters, nanoparticles) and advanced techniques for automated assembly of matter. We focus on the generation of two major and immensely challenging functionalities for positionally-assembled nanomachines: switchable energy transduction and conformationally-driven motion. Our archetypal system comprises the following units: an energy harvester, a switchable/gateable link, and an optical or mechanical output. By arranging, configuring, and triggering these fundamental units our long-term goal is no less than the fabrication of an autonomous, abiotic nanomachine.