Lecture
Biosyn Lecture: Designing photo- and electro-active molecular machines
- Date
- Friday 19 June 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Gorlaeus Building
Einsteinweg 55
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- CM.3.23
Abstract
Artificial molecular machines and motors are multicomponent synthetic species that exhibit stimuli-induced movements of their parts. (Pseudo)rotaxane architectures are based on interlocked structures, wherein a macrocyclic component encircles and shuttles along an axle like molecule. By appropriate design, the assembly of the molecular components, as well as their relative motion, can be controlled by application of an external stimulus. In this context, photonic and redox stimuli represent highly appealing modes of activation. Indeed, optical and electrical stimulation may be carried out without the formation of waste; moreover both photons and electrons can supply the energy necessary for the functioning of the machine (“writing”) and provide information about its state (“reading”).
We have explored several strategies to operate artificial molecular machines with light and electrons. In particular, integration of photo- and electro-active units within the molecular components of (pseudo)rotaxanes enabled the precise, sequential control of their motion as well as autonomous and out of equilibrium operation.
Biography
Serena Silvi, currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, investigates supramolecular systems, focusing on artificial molecular machines and photochromic systems. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Bologna in 2006, under the supervision of Prof. Alberto Credi. Following her doctorate, she collaborated with Prof. Vincenzo Balzani's laboratory before assuming a permanent position in 2008.
Serena has been teaching since 2009, contributing significantly to courses in Inorganic Chemistry, Photochemistry and Molecular Nanotechnology. She is currently the Director of the Master in Photochemistry and Molecular Materials. She has presented her work at numerous conferences globally. Additionally, she actively participates in various scientific committees and has held positions such as Secretary and Treasurer of The Italian Group of Photochemistry.