Artificial molecular machines and motors—Design and control of nanoscale motion

Artificial molecular machines are multicomponent synthetic systems in which molecular parts undergo controlled motion in response to energy inputs. Inspired by biological molecular motors, these devices show how random nanoscale motion can be biased, directed, and coupled to function. This article introduces the principles of artificial molecular machinery for a broad biochemical audience, focusing on the physical features that distinguish motion at the molecular scale from macroscopic motion. Mechanically interlocked molecules, molecular shuttles, light-driven rotary motors, and supramolecular pumps are discussed as representative systems that convert chemical, electrical, or optical stimuli into switching, rotation, transport, and other functions. Together, they illustrate how chemistry can reproduce, simplify, and extend key concepts underlying dynamic processes in living systems.