Scientists envision molecular machines that repair cells, transport tiny cargo, and store information, among other tasks, and building the parts is the first step toward this goal. To develop rotating components for molecular machines, a team led by Miguel Garcia-Garibay and K. N. Houk has designed and synthesized a single-molecule rotor modeled on gyroscopes (DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b01398). This molecule is larger than previously designed rotors, and a step forward toward the size range of biomolecular machines, such as the rotary enzyme responsible for the synthesis of ATP. The new molecular rotor is shaped like a dumbbell, with two highly branched arms ending in aromatic fingers reaching out from an aromatic core.
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机译：科学家设想分子机器可以修复细胞，运输微小的货物并存储信息等任务，并制造零件是朝着这个目标迈出的第一步。为了开发分子机器的旋转组件，由Miguel Garcia-Garibay和K. N. Houk领导的团队设计并合成了以陀螺仪为模型的单分子转子（DOI：10.1021 / jacs.6b01398）。该分子比以前设计的转子大，并且朝着生物分子机器（例如负责ATP合成的旋转酶）的尺寸范围迈进了一步。新的分子转子的形状像哑铃，两个高度分支的臂末端以芳香的手指伸出芳香的核心。
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