A groundbreaking shift in chemical and biochemical synthesis is emerging through the use of single molecules as foundational elements in the construction of complex objects. Researchers led by Yan Xu from Osaka Metropolitan University have developed nanofluidic devices that manipulate individual molecules in liquid solutions by utilizing extremely narrow channels and applying external pressure to control nanovalves. This innovation facilitates the regulation of single molecules, allowing for enhanced control over their flows and behaviors.
The study also revealed that confining single fluorescent molecules within these nanovalves amplified their fluorescence signals, which could significantly advance early disease diagnosis, including identifying pathogens for conditions like cancer and Parkinson’s. The technology promises vast applications, from personalized medicine to improved batteries and displays, representing a major step toward using single molecules as versatile building blocks. Xu’s concept of "Single-Molecule Regulated Chemistry (SMRC)" envisions a future where all chemical and biochemical processes operate on a single-molecule scale. This research, published in Nano Letters, is well-supported by various Japanese scientific institutions, highlighting its potential to reshape various scientific fields and industries.
