Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to create micron-scale “bow ties” from nanoparticles, which can form various controlled twisting shapes. This innovation may enhance machine vision and medicine production by enabling materials to interact with twisted light through a technique called chirality. Unlike natural chiral structures such as DNA, which lock in their twist, these engineered materials allow for precise control over twisting, potentially aiding robots in navigating complex environments by using circularly polarized light to encode information. This method differs from traditional chiral metamaterial production, which often requires expensive equipment; the new bow ties can be generated rapidly and cost-effectively, akin to printing photographs.
Moreover, these twisted nanostructures could facilitate the production of chiral medicines, essential for ensuring the correct molecular twist. The team demonstrated that by varying the ratios of left- and right-handed cystine, they could achieve a spectrum of twists, including a flat configuration. The bow ties assembled in just 90 seconds, presenting a significant advance over existing methods. This research opens new avenues in material science, notably in robotics and pharmaceutical development, and represents a paradigm shift in how chiral materials can be synthesized and utilized.
