Biological molecular machines are essential in a vast array of cellular processes from establishing concentration gradients, to the synthesis of proteins, the contraction of muscles and the storage of energy by ATP synthases. These machines operate <i>via</i> an information ratchet mechanism powered by biological fuels such as ATP and GTP, whose hydrolysis releases the energy required to do work at the nanoscale. Artificial molecular machines, such as synthesisers, walkers, transporters and pumps have been designed and mimic aspects of biological machines. Synthetic molecular motors based on energy and information ratchets, which allow systems to operate far from equilibrium, have been reported, driven by light or the sequential addition of a set of chemical reagents. The Leigh group recently disclosed a molecular motor capable of autonomous rotation given a continuous supply of fuel. In this work, we report a molecular motor and pump incorporating a flashing energy ratchet. They are driven by a chemical fuel, whose exergonic decarboxylation provides the energy required for unidirectional linear and rotary motion. Our system utilises the change in binding affinity of a macrocyclic ring for two stations on a circular or linear thread under oscillating basic and acidic conditions, and a gating system using dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC). The combination of these two effects enables fuelled unidirectional rotation and the generation of a concentration gradient.

Rotary and linear molecular motors driven by pulses of a chemical fuel

254th National Meeting (2017)

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