Programming self-powered motion via “host–guest” recognition

Abstract

Autonomous motion is a defining characteristic of living systems, emerging from the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work through dynamic noncovalent interactions. Inspired by nature's craftsmanship in designing motion, supramolecular “host–guest” chemistry has emerged as a powerful strategy for creating synthetic systems that either generate motion directly or build tunable, self-sustaining autonomous architectures. In this review, we discuss how “host–guest” assemblies translate reversible binding into motion across multiple length scales, enabling micropumps for fluid transport, nanomotors for cargo delivery, and macroscopic materials that propel themselves through interfacial flows. The key challenges lie in developing biocompatible long-lived fuels, achieving precise spatiotemporal control, and integrating functions such as sensing or catalysis. Further efforts will likely focus on orchestrating collective behaviors that bridge active matter, soft robotics, and living systems.