A Molecular Self-Assembly AFM Nanoprinting System Towards the Fabrication of Functional Technorganic Machines

Here, we demonstrate liquid-liquid interface molecular self-assembly (MSA) protocols to fabricate functional technorganic machines. Utilizing a custom-built 3D nanoprinting system that integrates scanning probe microscopy, microfluidics, mechatronics, and specialized surface chemistry, we achieved the spontaneous deposition of hierarchical molecular carbon nanosheets-the first of its kind for liquid-liquid MSA. A successfully fabricated mesoscale structure was verified through optical microscopy, SEM, and microCT imaging, confirming the system’s feasibility. Towards addressing the challenge of achieving in-situ nanoprinting feedback and control while using opaque substrates necessitated by MSA, we conceptualized an Electro-Femtofluidic Flow Sensor which we demonstrated is theoretically capable of femtoliter-per-second flow rate measurements, a capability which has not yet been demonstrated in the field. These advancements establish new nanofabrication methods, enabling the creation of molecular-level machines with diverse functionalities for applications in medicine and beyond.