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Pure Appl. Chem., 2008, Vol. 80, No. 8, pp. 1631-1650

http://dx.doi.org/10.1351/pac200880081631

Nanoscience and nanotechnology: The bottom-up construction of molecular devices and machines

Vincenzo Balzani

Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy

Abstract: The bottom-up approach to miniaturization, which starts from molecules to build up nanostructures, enables the extension of the macroscopic concepts of a device and a machine to molecular level. Molecular-level devices and machines operate via electronic and/or nuclear rearrangements and, like macroscopic devices and machines, need energy to operate and signals to communicate with the operator. Examples of molecular-level photonic wires, plug/socket systems, light-harvesting antennas, artificial muscles, molecular lifts, and light-powered linear and rotary motors are illustrated. The extension of the concepts of a device and a machine to the molecular level is of interest not only for basic research, but also for the growth of nanoscience and the development of nanotechnology.