Interface molecular machine-macroscopic world

In the last few years, several examples of molecular machines and motors have been designed and constructed. It should be noted, however, that the molecular-level machines described in this chapter operate almost in solution. Although the solution studies of chemical systems as complex as molecular machines are of fundamental importance, it seems reasonable that, before functional supramolec-ular assemblies can find applications as machines at the molecular level, they have to be interfaced with the macroscopic world by ordering them in some way. 

Investigations on molecular machines in solution are of fundamental importance to understand their operation mechanisms and for some use (e.g., chug delivery). It seems reasonable, however, that before such systems can find applications in many fields of technology, they have to be interfaced with the macroscopic world by ordering them in some way so that they can behave coherently and can be addressed in space. Viable possibilities include deposition on surfaces, incorporation into polymers, organization at interfaces, or immobilization into membranes or porous materials. 

---