One of the “dream” technologies for human beings is the assembly of molecular components into ultimately small computer devices or micro machines that work on a nanometer-scale.  These technologies have previously been considered impossible because of the lack of micro tools that can manipulate molecular components.
A few decades ago, we found that randomly dispersed small molecules are spontaneously assembled into well-defined and programmed nano-structures upon the action of metal ions through weak “coordination” interaction that works between the metals and organic molecules.
Since then, we have been studying the metal-induced self-assembly of functional structure of matters from molecular components on the nano-scale conceiving the construction principle of function molecular assemblies that work in a microscopic world without consuming energy and material resources.

Giant M48L96 Nanosphere (3D Printer Model)
2017
Size: 70×70×70
Production: Fujita Laboratory, Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Collection: Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
This is a model of a spherical molecular structure that is spontaneously assembled from 48 palladium ions and 96 organic ligands.  Notable features are a huge molecular assembly made up of more than.