Design and synthesis of operating molecular machines and solution and solid-state devices

The potential to exploit supramolecular chemistry for applications in nanotechnology depends on developing the core science. Accordingly, the aim of this project is to use cyclodextrins to form advanced supramolecular assemblies. This will involve: i) producing rotaxane-based shuttles, switches and muscles that function in response to external stimuli; ii) constructing guest-substituted cyclodextrins as molecular pumps capable of performing work; and iii) developing cyclodextrin-based rotaxane crystals, amorphous solids and lyotropic liquid crystals in aqueous solution. The result will be the design and synthesis of operating molecular machines and solution and solid-state devices, and an improved foundation for nanochemistry.