Chemistry Revamped E02 | Nanobots part 1: Materials & Structure

Richard Feynman’s 1959 lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” inspired molecular-scale engineering. Researchers mimic biological systems—protein motors, self-assembly, catalysis—creating synthetic analogs. Nadrian Seeman pioneered DNA nanotechnology. George Whitesides developed soft lithography and self-assembled monolayers. Bioengineers design materials and devices inspired by natural molecular systems.

Ben Feringa developed light-driven molecular motors earning the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Fraser Stoddart for molecular machines. Researchers engineer rotary motors, linear motors, and molecular switches. Nanotechnologists explore applications—drug delivery, molecular manufacturing, smart materials.