Molecular machines consist of discrete molecular components assembled to produce mechanical movements in response to specific stimuli, acting as motors, switches, or shuttles at the nanoscale. Building upon the foundational work awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 2025 has marked a shift from theoretical synthesis to practical, high-impact applications in data storage, medicine, and materials science.
Ultra-High Density Data Storage A significant breakthrough in 2025 involves the engineering of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) capable of retaining magnetic memory at 100 Kelvin (-173°C). Previous SMMs required much colder temperatures (around 4 Kelvin), making them impractical. Developed by researchers at the University of Manchester and ANU, these dysprosium-based molecules can store data individually rather than in magnetic regions, potentially enabling storage densities of 3 terabytes per square centimeter—roughly 100 times that of current technologies. This could allow a device the size of a postage stamp to store massive amounts of data, such as 40,000 albums or huge video libraries.
Medical Interventions: "Molecular Jackhammers" In oncology, researchers are deploying molecular motors as mechanical weapons against cancer and superbugs. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which relies on chemical interactions, these "molecular jackhammers" are tiny carbon structures activated by near-infrared (NIR) light. Upon activation, they vibrate or spin at high speeds (up to 3 million times per second), mechanically drilling through the cell membranes of cancer cells or antibiotic-resistant bacteria to destroy them. This method offers high precision, as the motors can target specific cells, and the mechanical nature of the destruction makes it difficult for cells to develop resistance. Furthermore, advances in nanomedicine include lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery and "theranostic" platforms that combine real-time imaging with therapy.
Self-Healing Materials Material science has seen the rise of self-healing polymers that mimic biological healing. In 2025, scientists introduced a Diels-Alder Polymer (DAP) capable of hardening and reforming bonds almost instantly upon impact. This material is being developed to protect satellites from space debris; when struck, the polymer absorbs the kinetic energy, momentarily liquefies, and then solidifies to seal the damage. Other applications include self-healing concrete for infrastructure and bio-inspired "engineered living materials" (ELMs) utilizing mycelium for sustainable construction.
Future Frontiers: Computing and APM Research is also advancing in Atomically Precise Manufacturing (APM), a theoretical method for building macroscopic objects atom-by-atom using nanofactories, which could radically reduce manufacturing costs and environmental impact. Additionally, hybrid molecular–electronic (CMOL) systems are being developed to interface standard silicon electronics with molecular components, promising energy-efficient computing and real-time medical diagnostics
