The Molecular Ratcheteers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.