Synthesis of fluorescent dye-tagged nanomachines for single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy.

In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of movement of nanovehicles on nonconducting surfaces, the synthesis and optical properties of five fluorescently tagged nanocars are reported. The nanocars were specifically designed for studies by single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and bear a tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate fluorescent tag for excitation at 532 nm. The molecules were designed such that the arrangement of their molecular axles and p-carborane wheels relative to the chassis would be conducive to the control of directionality in the motion of these nanovehicles.