Light-Activated Molecular Motors Achieve Fluorescence

In their study of rotary molecular motors, researchers in the laboratory of Ben Feringa at the University of Groningen have combined two light-mediated functions — motion and fluorescence — within a single molecule. The advancement is poised to benefit the construction of advanced molecular machines and, according to the researchers, provide prospects toward photoactive multifunctional systems that perform molecular rotary motion while tracking its location in a complex environment.