Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Mechanically interlocked polymers and molecules exhibit unique topological, physical, and chemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in molecular machines, molecular switches, artificial muscles, nano-actuators, nano-sensors, and biomedical technologies. While significant progress has been made in their synthesis and practical implementation, theoretical studies remain underexplored. In this work, we examine the role of entropic forces in daisy chain structures incorporating rotaxanes, with the ultimate goal of characterizing entropic nano-springs for use in nanomechanics and nanotechnology. Potential applications include artificial cytoskeletons, synthetic cells, and nano-mechanical logic gates.
Source: The Journal of Chemical Physics
DOI: 10.1063/5.0269708
Authors: Gaétan Sanchez, Claudia Binetti, Giuseppe Florio, Nicola M. Pugno, Giuseppe Puglisi, Stefano Giordano
Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lille, Institut d'Electronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie, Polytechnic University of Bari, Centrale Lille Institut, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Bari, Queen Mary University of London, University of Trento
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410601705