30/04/2026
As part of the FENS Seminar organized by Sabancı University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), Dr. Mohammad Reza Ejtehadi met with the audience with his presentation on machines operating at the nano and micro scale. The seminar, which attracted great interest, was also attended by the Dean of Sabancı University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Erkay Savaş.
The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Nur Mustafaoğlu, a faculty member of Sabancı University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Following the opening, Dr. Reza Ejtehadi took the podium and drew attention to the critical importance of controlling movement at the molecular and microscopic scale in terms of the targeted transport of materials and energy.
Molecular Machines and the Trail of Biological Movement
In the seminar, the functioning of biological systems was discussed through the concept of "soft matter," which cannot be classified as solid, liquid, or gas, while the energy conversion mechanisms and motion generation principles of molecular machines were examined. Dr. Dr. Reza Ejtehadi, drawing inspiration from biological motors in nature, explained microscopic motion systems with examples, focusing particularly on bacterial movement and the functioning of molecular motors.
Emphasizing that movement at the nanoscale has different dynamics than in the macroscopic world, Dr. Ejtehadi explained how movement is possible at low Reynolds numbers and the necessity of "non-reciprocal" movements at this scale. Approaches to the design of nano and micro robots were shared through model swimmers and mechanical systems providing multi-dimensional movement capabilities.
From Nanoscale Movement to Micro Robots
The presentation also demonstrated, with examples, how directed movement can be generated at the molecular level through strain and gradient applications, thus enabling controlled transport processes. Dr. Ejtehadi stated that such mechanisms could play a significant role in the future development of nano and micro robot technologies.
This meeting, held within the scope of the FENS Seminar, continued to contribute to the discussion of current scientific topics by bringing together researchers from different disciplines.
