Molecular machines

Molecular machines are tiny energy conversion devices on the molecular-size scale. Whether naturally occurring or synthetic, these machines are generally more efficient than their macroscale counterparts. They have their own mechanochemistry, dynamics, workspace, and usability and are composed of na...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of biomedical engineering 2004-01, Vol.6 (1), p.363-395
Main Authors: Mavroidis, C, Dubey, A, Yarmush, M L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
Biomechanical Phenomena - methods
DNA - metabolism
Humans
Kinesin - chemistry
Macromolecular Substances
Models, Molecular
Polymers - chemistry
Proton-Translocating ATPases - chemistry
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Summary:Molecular machines are tiny energy conversion devices on the molecular-size scale. Whether naturally occurring or synthetic, these machines are generally more efficient than their macroscale counterparts. They have their own mechanochemistry, dynamics, workspace, and usability and are composed of nature's building blocks: namely proteins, DNA, and other compounds, built atom by atom. With modern scientific capabilities it has become possible to create synthetic molecular devices and interface them with each other. Countless such machines exist in nature, and it is possible to build artificial ones by mimicking nature. Here we review some of the known molecular machines, their structures, features, and characteristics. We also look at certain devices in their early development stages, as well as their future applications and challenges.
ISSN:1523-9829
1545-4274
DOI:10.1146/annurev.bioeng.6.040803.140143