title: Bidirectional chemical communication between nanomechanical switches.
abstract: The interplay of biological machines depends critically on the bidirectionality of chemical information exchange. The implementation of such a communication procedure for abiological systems is achieved using two nanoswitches that both operate as transmitters and receivers by transfering copper ions in oxidation states +I and +II. Even at micromolar concentrations, communication in both directions is remarkably fast, occurring at t1/2 =2-3 min. Metal ion translocation triggers a 20 Å relocation of the toggle at both nanoswitches, entailing major geometric and electronic changes.
authors.affiliation: Center of Micro and Nanochemistry and Engineering, Organische Chemie I, Universität Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 2, 57068 Siegen (Germany).
authors.forename: Susnata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pramanik
authors.forename: Soumen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: De
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmittel
keywords: chemical communication; nanoswitches; orthogonal coordination; redox reactions; reversible switching