Achieving unidirectional molecular movement is a major challenge, often requiring molecular ratchets. Here, we exploit the unique 3D structure and selective functionalization of cyclodextrin to achiev...

Fascinés par le fonctionnement des moteurs biologiques comme la kinésine ou l’ATP-synthase, protéines essentielles à

Achieving unidirectional molecular movement is a major challenge, often requiring molecular ratchets. Here, we exploit the unique 3D structure and selective functionalization of cyclodextrin to achieve unidirectional motion in a rotaxane system. The cyclodextrin enables one-way gate opening and promotes forward movement via a double-gated ratchet mechanism. These findings pave the way for more efficient rotary molecular motors in cyclic systems and could enable long-range translational motion at the molecular scale.

The achievement of unidirectional molecular movement is a significant challenge due to competition by Brownian motion. Nature can overcome this proble…