Science
Related: About this forumThis Chemistry '3D Printer' Can Synthesize Molecules From Scratch
In a new study published in the journal Science today, Burke has announced the specs of a chemistry's own version of the 3D printera machine that can systematically synthesize thousands of different molecules (including the ratanhine molecular family) from a handful of starting chemicals. Such a machine could not only make ratanhine step-by-step, but also could custom-create a dozen other closely-related chemicalssome never even synthesized before by humans. That could allow scientists to test the medicinal properties of a whole molecular family.
"There are many molecules in nature with some extraordinary natural properties, that are incredibly hard to make and just aren't available to be purchased in a [lab supply] catalog," Burke says. "The general assumption has long been that you need a custom strategy to build each molecule, especially if you're trying to automate the process. But we've demonstrated you can use the same system to create radically different molecules. You just need to modulate a step-by-step process."
Burke's machine simplifies the complex process of synthesizing chemical into a series of generalizable steps. Whether you're trying to form a ring of carbon atoms or strip away hydrogen atoms, each step requires a dose of starting chemicals, which Burke separates into distinct building blocks. Think of them as simple groups of chemical compounds like O2 or CO2 that snap together.
Read more: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a14528/the-chemistry-3d-printer-can-craft-rare-medicinal-molecules-from-scratch/
tridim
(45,358 posts)Nanobot-driven 3D printers a decade from now will be the ultimate killer app.
hollysmom
(5,946 posts)Chakab
(1,727 posts)semanticwikiian
(69 posts)we've depended on tracing sales of certain chemicals to stop quite alot of terrorism.
This invention suggests an entirely new strategy is necessary if not vital.
Hoppy
(3,595 posts)If it does, I'm in.
bobalew
(323 posts)Compounds are Molecules, Elements are Atoms, And No we can't synthesize atoms, just yet, That's the Star trek technology...not this.
BobSmith4152
(75 posts)Gore1FL
(21,163 posts)Ratty
(2,100 posts)About going back in time to meet Galileo or Newton. When they ask me about the state of alchemy in my time and whether we've figured out how to transmute lead into gold, I think about how I would tell them that yes we can. But it costs many many more times than the gold is worth and it's poisonous so no one can actually use it. I dream weird things when I'm bored.
Gman
(24,780 posts)Cocaine is a 5 member carbon ring, as opposed to the more common 6 member rings. Last I knew it's never been synthesized. The world will beat a path to the doorstep of whoever figures it out.
BobSmith4152
(75 posts)by licensed facilities.
BobSmith4152
(75 posts)To answer the question of why such a cool technology is only now becoming available, Burke says the hard part was figuring out the new cleanup method that happens after each chemical reaction. (Some of the information is proprietary, but Burke says he and his colleagues found a universal way to isolate out the molecules they want to keep when washing away the byproducts.)
If this "cleanup method" applies to chirality ("left-handedness" or "right-handedness" of molecules) the world will go crazy.
Seriously, wow.