What are the emerging concepts and challenges in NANO Nanoarchitectonics, hand-operating nanotechnology and mechanobiology

Katsuhiko Ariga*, Kosuke Minami, Mitsuhiro Ebara, Jun Nakanishi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

189 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Most of us may mistakenly believe that sciences within the nano regime are a simple extension of what is observed in micrometer regions. We may be misled to think that nanotechnology is merely a far advanced version of microtechnology. These thoughts are basically wrong. For true developments in nanosciences and related engineering outputs, a simple transformation of technology concepts from micro to nano may not be perfect. A novel concept, nanoarchitectonics, has emerged in conjunction with well-known nanotechnology. In the first part of this review, the concept and examples of nanoarchitectonics will be introduced. In the concept of nanoarchitectonics, materials are architected through controlled harmonized interactions to create unexpected functions. The second emerging concept is to control nano-functions by easy macroscopic mechanical actions. To utilize sophisticated forefront science in daily life, high-tech-driven strategies must be replaced by low-tech-driven strategies. As a required novel concept, hand-operation nanotechnology can control nano and molecular systems through incredibly easy action. Hand-motion-like macroscopic mechanical motions will be described in this review as the second emerging concept. These concepts are related bio-processes that create the third emerging concept, mechanobiology and related mechano-control of bio-functions. According to this story flow, we provide some incredible recent examples such as atom-level switches, operation of molecular machines by hand-like easy motions, and mechanical control of cell fate. To promote and activate science and technology based on these emerging concepts in nanotechnology, the contribution and participation of polymer scientists are crucial. We hope that some readers would have interests within what we describe.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)371-389
Number of pages19
JournalPolymer Journal
Volume48
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Apr 1
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'What are the emerging concepts and challenges in NANO Nanoarchitectonics, hand-operating nanotechnology and mechanobiology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this