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{{Short description|Molecular-scale artificial or biological device}}
{{Molecular nanotechnology subfields}}
'''Molecular machines''' are a class of molecules typically described as an assembly of a discrete number of molecular components intended to produce mechanical movements in response to specific stimuli, mimicking macromolecular devices such as switches and motors. Naturally occurring or biological molecular machines such as [[kinesin]]s and [[ribosome]]s (often in the form of [[Protein complex|multi-protein complex]]es) are responsible for vital living processes such as [[DNA replication]] and [[ATP synthase|ATP synthesis]]. For the last several decades, scientists have attempted, with varying degrees of success, to miniaturize machines found in the macroscopic world. The first example of an artificial molecular machine (AMM) was reported in 1994, featuring a [[rotaxane]] with a ring and two different possible binding sites. In 2016 the [[Nobel Prize in Chemistry]] was awarded to [[Jean-Pierre Sauvage]], [[Fraser Stoddart|Sir J. Fraser Stoddart]], and [[Ben Feringa|Bernard L. Feringa]] for the design and synthesis of molecular machines.
AMMs have diversified rapidly over the past few decades and their design principles, properties, and [[Characterization (materials science)|characterization]] methods have been outlined better. A major starting point for the design of AMMs is to exploit the existing modes of motion in molecules, such as rotation about single bonds or [[Cis–trans isomerism|''cis-trans'' isomerization]]. Different AMMs are produced by introducing various functionalities, such as the introduction of [[bistability]] to create switches. A broad range of AMMs has been designed, featuring different properties and applications; some of these include [[molecular motor]]s, [[molecular switch|switche]]s, and [[molecular logic gate|logic gate]]s. A wide range of applications have been demonstrated for AMMs, including those integrated into [[polymer]]ic, [[liquid crystal]], and [[crystal]]line systems for varied functions (such as [[Materials science|material]]s research, [[homogenous catalysis]] and [[surface chemistry]]).
==Terminology==
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