Photoresponsive multi-addressable smart materials and mechanical synthesis by molecular machines
In this proposal a research program is envisioned to make a true leap in the creation of light-responsive intelligent matter. It targets the current frontiers and limits of photoswitching, molecular machines, chemical synthesis, and precision engineering of multi-responsive materials and will have profound impacts in - and beyond these fields. It encompasses the creation of novel visible-light responsive photoswitches with general applicability across the natural sciences and the elucidation of a plethora of hitherto unknown photoreactions in the first stage. Exploring the class of indigoid chromophores simple and compact molecular units will be developed offering hitherto unachievable control over molecular states and motions within a single such entity. Building on these findings molecular precision engineering of functional multi-state and multi-responsive materials will be explored in the second stage. Applications for molecular information processing, advanced surface patterning, or programmable adaptive behaviour will be used to demonstrate the unique advantages of this molecular approach for creation of next-level smart materials.  In the last two parts of the proposal unprecedented molecular machines and a completely new type of chemical synthesis will be developed, which is termed “mechanical molecular construction”. The latter is exploiting the unique properties of molecular motors and can be regarded as first step into the uncharted territory of “molecular weaving”. This will open up an entire realm of untapped chemical and material structures for future explorations. Knowledge and methods created in these projects will be of utmost importance for any scientist – academic or industrial – concerned with applying light as central means for manipulating matter at smallest scales with highest spatio-temporal control - and thus for a large part of the present natural science community.