Designing dynamic functional molecular systems

The design and construction of dynamic functional molecular systems, which mimic some of the properties of living systems, pose a huge contemporary challenge. Recent developments in supramo-lecular self-assembly, molecular switches, motors and machines, and chemical reaction networks, offer an excellent basis for integrating dynamic properties in molecular systems. In this perspective, we discuss different approaches towards dynamic functional molecular systems covering areas such as translated motion, dissipative self-assembly, self-regulation and biohybrid systems. The selected examples illustrate the level of control and complexity that can be achieved at present in this rapidly growing and exciting field of research. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.