Dynamic nanoarchitectonics: Supramolecular polymorphism and differentiation, shape-shifter and hand-operating nanotechnology

Recently proposed novel nanoarchitectonics concept is based on the unification of nanotechnology and other constructive sciences such as supramolecular chemistry including self-assembly/self-organization to provide the functional nanostructures and materials through architecting efforts of nano-sized components. In this short review, we focus on the structural changes and related dynamic functions with the terminology of dynamic nanoarchitectonics. We will cover selected topics on supramolecular polymorphism, supramolecular differentiation and dynamic-motion-based functions. Such phenomena have been observed in shape-diverse assemblies of amphiphilic tripeptides, polymorphisms in assemblies and crystals of fullerene derivatives such as supramolecular differentiation for the spontaneous growth of tails (tubes) from the egg of fullerene assemblies. Similarly, they have also been realized in self-propelled nano- and micromotors and robots, self-powered cargo delivery system with several bio and supramolecular components, manipulation of liquid slugs within photoactive tubular microactuators, materials with ameba-like motions through autonomous periodic sol-gel transition, molecular machine regulation by hand-motion-like macroscopic actions (hand-operating nanotechnology) and mechanical tuning for molecular receptors functions. These examples inspire us to create new functional materials with truly life-like activities through nanoarchitecting simple nano/molecular units. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.