Entropic forces in rotaxane-based daisy chains: Toward tunable nanomechanical systems
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.
Article Details
Journal Info
The Journal of Chemical Physics
American Institute of Physics
Authors (6)
Gaétan Sanchez
University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN - Institut d’Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie 1 , Lille F-59000,
Claudia Binetti
University of Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520 - IEMN - Institut d’Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie 1 , Lille F-59000,
Giuseppe Florio
Department of Civil Environmental Land Building Engineering and Chemistry, DICATECh, Politecnico di Bari 2 , Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125,
Nicola M. Pugno
Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta Materials and Mechanics, University of Trento 4 , Via Mesiano 77, Trento 38123,
Giuseppe Puglisi
Department of Civil Environmental Land Building Engineering and Chemistry, DICATECh, Politecnico di Bari 2 , Via Orabona 4, Bari 70125,
Stefano Giordano