Molecular Devices: An Introduction to Technomimetics and its Biological Applications

By Andrei A. Gakh

Comprehensive look at mechanical molecular devices that mimic the behavior of man-made devices 

Molecular devices and molecular machines are individual molecules and molecular systems capable of providing valuable device-like functions. Many of them have distinct conventional prototypes and therefore can be identified as technomimetic molecules.  The last decade has seen an increasing rate of practical applications of molecular devices and machines, primarily in biomedical and material science fields.

Molecular devices: An Introduction to Technomimetics and its Biological Applications focuses on mechanical molecular devices, including the early set of technomimetic molecules. Topics covered include the many simple molecular devices such as container compounds, gearing systems, belts and tubes, and tweezers. It touches upon each molecular machine and discusses in great detail the importance of their applications as well as the latest progress in the fields of chemistry, physics, and biotechnology.

• Interdisciplinary: Must-have content for physicists, chemists, and biologists
• Comprehensive: Details an extensive set of mechanical technomimetic molecular devices
• Thorough: Starts with the fundamental material characterization and finishes with real-world device application

Molecular devices: An Introduction to Technomimetics and its Biological Applications is an important book for graduate students, researchers, scientists, and engineers in the fields of chemistry, materials science, molecular physics, engineering, biotechnology, and molecular medicine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wiley
• Release date: Jul 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781119448136

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Copyright

This edition first published 2018

© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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The right of Andrei A. Gakh to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with law.

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In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of experimental reagents, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each chemical, piece of equipment, reagent, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. While the publisher and authors have used their best efforts in preparing this work, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaim all warranties, including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives, written sales materials or promotional statements for this work. The fact that an organization, website, or product is referred to in this work as a citation and/or potential source of further information does not mean that the publisher and authors endorse the information or services the organization, website, or product may provide or recommendations it may make. This work is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a specialist where appropriate. Further, readers should be aware that websites listed in this work may have changed or disappeared between when this work was written and when it is read. Neither the publisher nor authors shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Library of Congress Cataloging–in–Publication Data:

Names: Gakh, Andrei A., author.

Title: Molecular devices : an introduction to technomimetics and its biological applications / Andrei A. Gakh.

Description: Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons, 2018. | Includes

bibliographical references and index. |

Identifiers: LCCN 2017043486 (print) | LCCN 2017055745 (ebook) | ISBN

9781119448150 (pdf) | ISBN 9781119448136 (epub) | ISBN 9780471411390

(cloth)

Subjects: LCSH: Nanotechnology.

Classification: LCC TK7874.8 (ebook) | LCC TK7874.8 .G35 2018 (print) | DDC

621.381–dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017043486

Cover design by Wiley

Cover image: © RED_SPY/Gettyimages

Illustrations: Courtesy of Andrei A. Gakh

Dedication

To my father ‐

Who introduced me to the concept of the information reality.

Preface

Human imagination has only few limitations in its own world of information domain. This is not true for technical engineering bound by the laws of physical reality. These physical limitations are environment‐specific, so engineering solutions used for the construction of ships would need to be modified for the construction of airplanes, because ships are designed to operate in the water, and airplanes – in the air (Figure 1).

fprefg001

Figure 1 Leonardo Da Vinci's design of a helicopter equipped with the Archimedes' screw, even though it is intended to operate in air, not in water.

In the late twentieth century, human engineering entered the molecular subdomain, first with the creation of the biotechnology toolbox, followed by construction of rudimental nonbiological molecular devices. While the molecular environment is quite different from anything engineering sciences encountered thus far, the inner logic of the technological progress dictates that this development should start with the design of functional molecular systems that can mimic conventional man‐made devices (Figure 2). By the analogy with biomimetics, these functional molecular systems can be called technomimetics.

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Figure 2 An example of a technomimetic molecule and its conventional mechanical prototype.

It is naïve to assume that practical molecular devices of the future would simply employ assemblies of currently known technomimetics. But the engineering of these basic technomimetic molecules is a necessary step toward the development of more complex functional molecular devices. It is not a coincidence that the first automobiles adopt some technologies of a horse‐driven carriage (Figure 3), and the early airplane designs resemble a kite (Figure