Principles of Molecular Machines at the Single-Molecule Scale

Molecular machines can convert the chemical energy into mechanical work through intra- or intermolecular motions at single-molecule scale under external stimuli, such as heating, illumination, and so on. In recent decades, working mechanisms of various molecular machines, shuttles, motors, walkers, etc. have been extensively studied different ensemble experiments, where unique unexpected behaviors a single machine may be overwhelmed by average effect caused large number molecules. Thanks to development characterization technologies, intrinsic properties are being explored, which is essential for future applications scale. This Review offers timely systematical survey on structural designs, methods, mechanisms, influencing factors scale, providing comparison among studies in-depth comprehension principles individual machines.