Control of nano/molecular systems by application of macroscopic mechanical stimuli

The potential usefulness and importance of nanomaterials are now well recognized. However, currently available synthetic nanomaterials are generally used in their bulk form and control of nanosystems at the nanoscale on demand has not been realized. To solve this problem, the use of macroscopic mechanical stimuli to drive nano/molecular systems is considered to be a key technique. If direct manipulation of nano/molecular systems could be achieved by applying macroscopic mechanical stimuli, we might exert control over nanotechnological systems according to our needs. In this perspective, recent methodologies for controlling nano/molecular systems through application of macroscopic mechanical forces are introduced. Application of mechanical processes is known to affect some molecular association and chemical reactions, causing variation of optical properties, sometimes resulting in self-healing functions or capture and release of molecules under macroscopic mechanical motions. We might be able to realize the great potential of nanoscale and molecular systems by accessing nanoscience and nanotechnology from the macroscopic world.