Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) are scaling individual molecular machines into three-dimensional structures to create a new class of intelligent materials. 

Led by Professor Dr. Henry Dube, the team is moving beyond the study of isolated molecules to develop complex systems that perform physical tasks. 

The project aims to produce materials that change their mechanical properties and shape in response to external light stimuli. 

“Chemist Dube hopes to link different types of these machines into three-dimensional structures that can perform different functions depending on the type and arrangement of the building blocks,” said the institute in a press release.

This development represents a shift from traditional electronics toward systems that utilize atomic-level components to achieve macroscopic results.

Scaling nanotechnology through biological principles

The basic premise of this research is in molecular machines, which are mechanical components consisting of only a few dozen atoms. 

Dr. Dube has previously developed individual units such as nanomotors, gears, and tweezers. The current objective is to link these components into polymers to create collective motion. 

This method is modeled after biological systems, specifically human muscles, where proteins slide past one another to cause contraction. By arranging these molecular building blocks in specific sequences, the researchers can determine how the resulting material will behave when activated. Linking hundreds of thousands of these molecules allows them to generate enough power to perform observable physical work.

“We also want to create three-dimensional structures to link several molecular machines together in ways that follow defined rules,” stated Dube. 

“Depending on which different types of building blocks we combine in these polymers, we can create intelligent materials for a wide variety of applications.”

Light-pulse control mechanism

The team used light pulses as the primary control mechanism. Many of the nanomachines used by the researchers change their physical shape when they are exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This shape-shifting capability allows for the remote triggering of movement without the use of electrical wiring. 

The change in shape often causes the molecules to change color. This dual functionality enables the development of 3D cube screens. These displays allow three-dimensional images to be projected into a physical volume and viewed from any direction. Unlike laser-engraved glass, these volumetric images can be erased and rewritten immediately by changing the light stimulus.

“We are also planning to produce materials whose properties can be programmed. For example, they could become rigid under blue light, but elastic under red light,” remarked Dr. Dube.

Funding boost for sustainability

The work is supported by a grant of approximately 900,000 euros. This program is designed to help researchers expand their expertise into new scientific disciplines. 

“The Volkswagen Foundation is providing approximately 900,000 euros in funding for the project,” concluded the press release.

Over the next four years, the project will focus on refining the arrangement of these building blocks to ensure the successful transition from individual molecules to functional, light-controlled materials.