An industrial revolution on a minute scale is taking place
in laboratories at The University of Manchester with the development of a
highly complex machine that mimics how molecules are made in nature.
The artificial molecular machine developed by Professor
David Leigh FRS and his team in the School of Chemistry is the most advanced
molecular machine of its type in the world. Its development has been published
in the journal Science.
Professor Leigh explains: “The development of this machine
which uses molecules to make molecules in a synthetic process is similar to the
robotic assembly line in car plants. Such machines could ultimately lead to the
process of making molecules becoming much more efficient and cost effective.
This will benefit all sorts of manufacturing areas as many manmade products
begin at a molecular level. For example, we’re currently modifying our machine
to make drugs such as penicillin.”