2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry Goes to These Three Scientists

BENGALURU: This year the Noble Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to a British, Dutch and French scientist trio for their immense contribution in developing molecules with controllable movements. The trio received the Nobel Prize for developing tiny molecular machines. These scientists developed the world’s smallest machines, which in future can work as artificial muscles to power prosthetic limbs or tiny robots. As reported by The Economic Times, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences declared the winner on 5th October 2016.

Fraser Stoddart of Britain, Bernard Feringa of Netherlands, and Jean-Pierre Sauvage of France have developed tiny molecules, whose movements can be controlled. The molecules start performing a task when energy is added to them. These tiny molecules are also called as nanobots or nanomachines. The molecules work as tiny motors, pistons, wheels or ratchets to generate mechanical motion in the response to the stimuli like changes in temperature or light. Now these Nobel laureates will receive a prize of 8Mn Swedish Kronor.

The jury explained that in 1991, Fraser Stoddart demonstrated the molecules by threading a molecular ring onto a thin molecular axle. The ring was moving along the axle with the help of molecules. Further, he developed a molecular lift, molecule-based computer chip, and molecular muscle. Mr. Fraser Stoddart, Professor, Chemistry, Northwestern University, USA, said that in future, these molecules will help in cancer treatment. It can be noted that Stoddart’s wife died of breast cancer in the late 1990s.

Bernard Feringa is a 65-year-old professor at Groningen University, told that Jean-Pierre Sauvage took the first step towards molecular machine in 1983. He successfully attached two ring-shaped molecules in a chain. Feringa developed a molecular motor in 1999 when he built a molecular rotor blade, which spins continuously in the same direction. He later designed a nanocar by using molecular motors. These three scientists successfully created a molecular toolbox that will assist in building advanced creations.

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