Theory and applications of nanofabrication. Reviews aspects of nanomachines in nature with special attention to the role of self-lubrication, intracellular or interstitial viscosity, and protein-guided adhesion. Discusses current nanofabricated machines to perform the same tasks and considers the problems of lubrication, compliance, and adhesion. Self-assembly mechanisms of nanofabrication with emphasis on cutting-edge discovery to overcome current challenges associated with nanofabricated machines.