ISCR 2025 conferences - David A. Leigh
Giving chemistry direction
Tuesday 2 September 2025, 11:00Passed
The Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences (ISCR) is pleased to welcome in Rennes Professor David A. Leigh (University of Manchester, United Kingdom) on Thuesday, September 2, 2025. The conference will take place at 11:00 am in Grandjean Amphitheater, building 10 B, Beaulieu campus.
Abstract
Over the last three decades examples of synthetic molecular machines and motors have been developed all be they primitive by biological standards. Such molecules are best designed to work through statistical mechanisms. In a manner reminiscent of Maxwell’s Demon, random thermal motion is rectified through ratchet mechanisms, giving chemistry direction.
It is increasingly being recognised that similar concepts can be applied to other chemical exchange processes. Ratchet mechanisms—effectively chemical engines in which catalysis of ‘fuel’ to ‘waste’ is used to drive another chemical process—can cause directional impetus in what are otherwise stochastic systems, including endergonic chemical reactions. This is ushering in a new era of non-equilibrium chemistry, providing fundamental advances in functional molecule design and the first examples of molecular robotics, overturning existing dogma and offering fresh insights into biology and molecular nanotechnology. ...
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Contact
Yann Trolez, yann.trolez@ensc-rennes.fr
