Phys.org June 2, 2022 Single-molecule devices provide a reliable platform for exploration of the intrinsic properties of matters at the single-molecule level. The regulation of the electrical properties of single-molecule devices will be a key factor in enabling further advances in the development of molecular electronics. In this review article researchers in China introduce the optoelectronic effects that are involved in single-molecule devices, including photoisomerization switching, photoconductance, plasmon-induced excitation, photovoltaic effect, and electroluminescence. They summarize the optoelectronic mechanisms of single-molecule devices, with particular emphasis on the photoisomerization, photoexcitation, and photo-assisted tunneling processes. Discussion on the opportunities and challenges arising in […]
Tag Archives: Molecular machines
Bacteria-killing drills get an upgrade
Nanowerk June 1, 2022 An international team of researchers USA – Rice University, Spain) discovered a distinctive antibacterial therapy that uses visible (405 nanometers) light-activated synthetic molecular machines (MMs) to kill Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in minutes, vastly outpacing conventional antibiotics. They rapidly eliminate persister cells and established bacterial biofilms. The antibacterial mode of action of MMs involves physical disruption of the membrane. By permeabilizing the membrane, MMs at sublethal doses potentiate the action of conventional antibiotics. Repeated exposure to antibacterial MMs is not accompanied by resistance development. Therapeutic doses of MMs mitigate mortality associated with […]