nanomachines

Nanomachines are devices that operate and manipulate matter at the nanometer scale and can perform mechanical tasks. The term covers molecular machines—synthetic molecules or assemblies designed for controlled motion—as well as nanoscale devices that function as autonomous or externally driven machines. They are often distinguished from larger micro- or macro-scale machines by the scale of moving parts and the dominant forces at play, such as thermal motion and chemical energy.

Molecular machines operate through controlled conformational changes, rotations, or translocations, and can be powered by chemical energy, light, electric fields, or magnetic fields. Technologies include DNA-based architectures and DNA origami that organize molecular components, as well as synthetic rotors, shuttles, and walkers. In practice, most functional demonstrations occur in laboratory settings and emphasize fundamental principles rather than ready-to-use devices.

Historically, nanomachines arose from theoretical proposals and experimental chemistry. The field gained wide recognition when the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the design and synthesis of molecular machines, highlighting progress in creating controllable movements at the molecular level.

Potential applications are broad, with long-term goals in targeted drug delivery, in vivo diagnostics, nanoscale assembly of materials, and environmental sensing or remediation. Some research explores nano-scale motors powered by chemical fuels, light, or magnetic fields to operate in biological or fluidic environments.

Major challenges remain, including reliable control and coordination of motion, integration with living systems, scalable manufacturing, and safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations. As of now, nanomachines are primarily a research topic with proof-of-concept demonstrations rather than widely deployed technologies.