In the past two decades, the research and development of light-triggered molecular machines have mainly focused on developing molecular devices at the nanoscale. A key scientific issue in the field is how to amplify the controlled motion of molecules at the nanoscale along multiple length scales, such as the mesoscopic or the macroscopic scale, or in a more practical perspective, how to convert molecular motion into changes of properties of a macroscopic material. Light-driven molecular motors are able to perform repetitive unidirectional rotation upon irradiation, which offers unique opportunities for responsive macroscopic systems. With several reviews that focus on the design, synthesis and operation of the motors at the nanoscale, photo-responsive macroscopic materials based on light-driven molecular motors have not been comprehensively summarized. In the present review, we first discuss the strategy of confining absolute molecular rotation into relative rotation by grafting motors on surfaces. Secondly, examples of self-assemble motors in supramolecular polymers with high internal order are illustrated. Moreover, we will focus on building of motors in a covalently linked system such as polymeric gels and polymeric liquid crystals to generate complex responsive functions. Finally, a perspective toward future developments and opportunities is given. This review helps us getting a more and more clear picture and understanding on how complex movement can be programmed in light-responsive systems and how man-made adaptive materials can be invented, which can serve as an important guideline for further design of complex and advanced responsive materials.

过去二十年来，光触发分子机器的研究和开发主要集中在开发纳米尺度的分子器件。该领域的一个关键科学问题是如何在纳米尺度上放大分子在多个长度尺度（例如介观或宏观尺度）的受控运动，或者从更实际的角度来看，如何将分子运动转化为物质性质的变化。宏观材料。光驱动分子马达能够在照射下执行重复的单向旋转，这为响应性宏观系统提供了独特的机会。尽管有几篇评论侧重于纳米级电机的设计、合成和操作，但基于光驱动分子电机的光响应宏观材料尚未得到全面总结。在本综述中，我们首先讨论通过在表面上移植电机将绝对分子旋转限制为相对旋转的策略。其次，举例说明了具有高内序的超分子聚合物自组装电机的例子。此外，我们将专注于在共价连接系统（例如聚合凝胶和聚合液晶）中构建电机，以产生复杂的响应功能。最后，给出了对未来发展和机遇的展望。这篇综述帮助我们对如何在光响应系统中编程复杂的运动以及如何发明人造自适应材料有越来越清晰的认识和理解，这可以为进一步设计复杂和先进的系统提供重要指导。响应材料。