The Molecular Ratcheteers

Winner: 2023 Organic Chemistry Horizon Prize: Perkin Prize in Physical Organic Chemistry

For breakthroughs in catalysed non-equilibrium systems, particularly molecular ratchet mechanisms, that have provided fundamental insights into the dynamics of matter.

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A team of researchers from the University of Manchester, University of Luxembourg, University of Maine and East China Normal University, known as the Molecular Ratcheteers, has invented engineering concepts that will help unlock the potential of the nanoworld.

Miniaturisation has driven advances in technology through the ages. Early computers filled entire rooms and consumed vast amounts of energy yet had far less computing power than the tiny energy-frugal chips in today’s smartphones. Making machinery smaller reduces power requirements, curtails the amounts of materials needed, cuts waste, facilitates recycling and produces faster operating systems. In doing so it advances technological progress while addressing the environmental and sustainability needs of society.

However, matter behaves differently at different length scales and the engineering we use in our everyday world does not work at the molecular level. Instead of trying to push molecular components in a particular direction, the engineering concepts invented by the Molecular Ratcheteers block unwanted motions leaving only the required movements. These are ‘ratchet mechanisms’; the processes that drive both biology and molecular nanotechnology.

It’s been fantastic to work with such a supportive and talented team on the molecular ratcheteers project, and we’re proud to have developed new engineering concepts that could truly drive forward the nanoworld.

The team

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Shuntaro Amano, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Zoe Ashbridge, PhD student, The University of Manchester
R. Dean Astumian, Professor, University of Maine
Andrei Baluna, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Lorna Binks, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Stefan Borsley, Lecturer in Organic Chemistry, The University of Manchester
Valerie Bruyr, Technician, The University of Manchester
Massimiliano Esposito, Professor, University of Luxembourg
Stephen D. P. Fielden, PhD student, The University of Manchester
James M. Gallagher, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Romain Jamagne, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Elisabeth Kreidt, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The University of Manchester
David A. Leigh, Professor, The University of Manchester
Emanuele Penocchio, PhD student, University of Luxembourg
Yansong Ren, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The University of Manchester
Benjamin M. W. Roberts, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Daniel J. Tetlow, Research Team Leader, The University of Manchester
Dean Thomas, PhD student, The University of Manchester
Chong Tian, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The University of Manchester
Liang Zhang, Professor, East China Normal University

Q&A

What were the biggest challenges in this project?

Stefan Borsley: Our project brings together so many different science fields, covering everything from the physics of information to molecular biology, so it was a challenge to recognise the connections between these different fields. However, we are lucky to have a large multi-disciplinary team to help navigate these specialisms, where everyone is encouraged to ask questions and dive into topics they might not normally consider.

What different strengths did different people bring to the team?

Shuntaro Amano: We are fortunate to work in a large multi-disciplinary team with a wide pool of skills ranging from theoretical knowledge to analytical thinking.

Our combined skillset made this project a success. The theoretical physicists established general and rigorous design principles of autonomous molecular ratchets through their insights into thermodynamics and kinetics, while the experimental chemists turned these principles into reality using their organic synthesis skills.

Why is this work so important and exciting?

Elisabeth Kreidt: The processes we analysed in this project are critical to understanding how life works on a very fundamental level. At the same time, these processes have the potential to be used for intrinsically new approaches and drive advancements in nanotechnology – the universality of these processes is absolutely fascinating.

Where do you see the biggest impact of this technology/research being?

Ben Roberts: In the shorter term, the biggest impact will be in catalysis and our approach to accelerating or driving chemical reactions. Brownian ratchets have the potential to be deployed across many different forms of catalysis to improve catalyst function. In the longer term, this kind of chemistry will enable us to create more active and responsive matter which we may use for energy and information storage, self-healing and replicating materials and precise control on a nano-scale.

How will this work be used in real life applications?

Yansong Ren: Molecular ratchets could lead to a variety of real-life applications, especially in the fields of nanotechnology and materials science. As building blocks for the creation of new nanomachines such as molecular motors, pumps and switches, they could make improvements in everything from the delivery of medicines to information processing.

How do you see this work developing over the next few years, and what is next for this technology/research?

Liang Zhang: Our work to control the dynamics of molecular and supramolecular systems has great potential for the advancement of many fields of research.

One example is the development of artificial molecular enzymes, which could have functions and operational processes similar to biological enzymes, but with the added benefit of being able to operate in non-aqueous environments. This would open up a world of possibilities for industrial processes, the delivery of medicines and more.

What inspires or motivates your team?

Romain Jamagne: Our research group is primarily inspired by the remarkable ways nature uses ratcheting mechanisms to drive systems out-of-equilibrium, which is an ultimate requirement for living systems. Nature’s wonders are and will always be an endless source of inspiration and motivation for scientists.

What is the importance of collaboration in the chemical sciences?

Zoe Ashbridge: The most impactful projects are highly interdisciplinary. To push the boundaries of a field, it’s vital to gain insight from collaborators with a wide range of expertise.

What does good research culture look like or mean to you?

Lorna Binks: A good research culture means freedom to express ideas and thoughts with collaborators without any limitations. It’s a research environment where growth and learning bring the best projects to fruition.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Stephen Fielden: Chemistry is central to tackling the biggest challenges that face humankind today, such as: (1) climate change; (2) plastic waste and a lack of recycling; (3) dependence on oil and (4) overpopulation. Chemists passionately work to use the resources we have available already on this planet to improve everyone’s lives and ensure there is a bright future for all.

Why is chemistry important?

Valerie Bruyr: It would be hard to find an aspect of our modern society which is not impacted by chemistry, and chemists’ creativity will be instrumental in solving the current and future challenges facing humanity.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Dean Thomas: Look around you and take in just how much of the modern world is underpinned by advances in chemistry. At the same time, consider how much our lifestyle needs to change over the coming decades. There will be so much opportunity, and a real necessity, to discover, invent and optimise.