Single Molecule Motor
February 14, 2012 | Terry Sharrer
It’s a small step to be sure, but engineers at Tufts University have demonstrated that a single molecule of butyl methyl sulfide can “spin” by the light of a low temperature tunneling microscope-the world’s first single molecule motor. In fact, the temperature was 450 degrees F. below zero. While many factors, such as a more normal temperature, have to be overcome, this idea holds potential for creating molecular motors in the channels of microfluidic devices, which could ease the flow of fluids being tested. MORE