The team aims to modify the C-shaped pieces to create other configurations. Photo: Severin SchneebeliThe team aims to modify the C-shaped pieces to create other configurations. Photo: Severin SchneebeliA team of researchers at the University of Vermont, led by assistant professor of chemistry Severin Schneebeli, has created a nanoscale wrench that can “adjust” the shape of other molecules.

The nanoscale wrenches can alter the internal chemical environment of molecules and changing their shape and symmetry. They can also be combined to form new materials. The nanowrench is based on chirality, whereby a molecule has two identical but opposite forms, similar to a human’s left and right hand. The molecules can be joined together in one orientation so that the structure has one shape and does not twist or rotate.

The C-shaped nanowrench binds to molecules that are being used in drug delivery experiments, called pillarene macrocycles. Manipulation of the pillarene rings inside the macrocycles results in much stronger binding inside the rings. The action of the wrench and molecular binding was predicted via computer modeling. After simulation, Schneebeli and his team used a mass spectrometer and an NMR spectrometer to confirm their predictions.

In addition to modifying the C-shaped nanowrenches, the team hopes to create a flexible helical wrench and other shapes for future use in creating materials.

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