Lipid vesicle-based molecular robots
Zugui Peng, Shoji Iwabuchi, Kayano Izumi, Sotaro Takiguchi, Misa Yamaji, Shoko Fujita, Harune Suzuki, Fumika Kambara, Genki Fukasawa, Aileen Cooney, Lorenzo Di Michele, Yuval Elani, Tomoaki Matsuura, Ryuji Kawano
Abstract
A molecular robot, which is a system comprised of one or more molecular machines and computers, can execute sophisticated tasks in many fields that span from nanomedicine to green nanotechnology. The core parts of molecular robots are fairly consistent from system to system and always include (i) a body to encapsulate molecular machines, (ii) sensors to capture signals, (iii) computers to make decisions, and (iv) actuators to perform tasks. This review aims to provide an overview of approaches and considerations to develop molecular robots. We first introduce the basic technologies required for constructing the core parts of molecular robots, describe the recent progress towards achieving higher functionality, and subsequently discuss the current challenges and outlook. We also highlight the applications of molecular robots in sensing biomarkers, signal communications with living cells, and conversion of energy. Although molecular robots are still in their infancy, they will unquestionably initiate massive change in biomedical and environmental technology in the not too distant future.