Reticular Chemistry for Next-Generation Micro-/Nanoswimmers: Modular Construction and Dynamic Functionality

Abstract

Reticular chemistry, with its intrinsic modularity and structural programmability, has emerged as a powerful platform for engineering next-generation micro- and nanoswimmers. Through the assembly of well-defined building blocks and the incorporation of guest species, reticular frameworks, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), enable control over motility while integrating multiple functionalities. Nevertheless, the development of reticular framework-based functional motors remains challenging, as effective operation requires the dynamic coordination of motile behavior, framework architecture, and functional integration under environment-dependent conditions. Drawing on cutting-edge examples, this Review therefore summarizes construction strategies for small-scale reticular swimmers based on a comprehensive understanding of module-integration processes and the resulting structure–performance relationships. These integration approaches are described from molecular to interfacial levels, whereby motility is encoded within MOF/COF/HOF structures or introduced through motor units positioned across framework-confined interiors, shell architectures, surface-functionalized regions, and motor–medium interfaces. Meanwhile, this Review highlights how fuel accessibility, product release, catalytic-site exposure, interfacial asymmetry, motion trajectory, and operational lifetime vary and can be regulated across these spatial integration systems, thus enabling controllable motion driven by local reactions or external stimuli. Representative examples further illustrate how engine–framework organization enhances biomedical delivery, environmental remediation, and sensing under application-relevant conditions. Finally, the remaining challenges and emerging opportunities are underscored, guiding the development of programmable, adaptive, and application-ready reticular microrobotic systems.