Exploring the Energy Landscape

editorial Exploring the energy landscape

The search for emerging properties in far-from-equilibrium supramolecular systems is just beginning.

In a Review on supramolecular systems their properties come from a continuous components3. If harnessed in a concerted chemistry (page 111) Elio Mattia and interchange among a series of different fashion, directed molecular motion can be Sijbren Otto — who are based at the structures as the system moves along a made to do work against the environment. Institute of University of Groningen — potential energy landscape. To remain far An example of this is reported by guide us through the major conceptual from equilibrium, these supramolecular Nicolas Giuseppone and colleagues at the developments in the field of supramolecular systems require a constant supply of University of Strasburg on page 161. In chemistry, a field that has been described1 energy that is then dissipated into particular, they show that thousands of as ‘chemistry beyond the molecule’. the environment. molecular rotors attached to a polymer Supramolecular chemistry deals with Alongside the supramolecular chemistry network can work in unison under light weak, reversible molecular interactions of far-from-equilibrium systems, Mattia irradiation to produce a macroscopic that are harnessed to make large aggregates and Otto highlight how the topic ties in structural modification of a gel. and the approach is a fundamental with the field of systems chemistry, the Although in the long run the fields of component of self-assembly techniques and ultimate goal of which is to understand the supramolecular chemistry and systems bottom-up fabrication processes. Mattia chemical basis of life2. Systems chemists chemistry may provide a new angle in and Otto first look at the initial approach look for new chemical properties that our understanding of life from a chemical to supramolecular chemistry, which has emerge from the interaction between perspective, it is not unreasonable that the principally involved thermodynamic chemical systems. And because far-from- collaboration between researchers in the equilibrium assemblies, and then move on equilibrium supramolecular chemistry two fields will also be useful for designing to more recent developments that exploit studies the interplay between different new materials that adapt, respond and states in a kinetic trap (a local minimum states and how these interact with each exhibit different functionalities as the with potential energy barriers high other and the environment, the confluence environmental conditions change. ❐ enough to trap a specific configuration). between the two fields seems natural. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of Published examples of emerging properties References the Review comes from the discussion of that are sustained by a continuous supply 1. Lehn, J.‑M. Angew Chem. Int. Ed. 27, 89–112 (1988). far-from-equilibrium systems. These are of energy include the formation of 2. Pross, A. What is Life? How Chemistry Becomes Biology (Oxford Univ. Press, 2012). chemical systems that cannot be defined by compartments, concentration gradients 3. Ruiz-Mirazo, K., Briones, C. & de la Escosura, A. Chem. Rev. a single supramolecular structure; rather, and directional motion of molecular 114, 285–366 (2014).

Can we be more social?

The social and economic issues surrounding nanotechnology should not be forgotten.

The principal aim of Nature Nanotechnology Since late 2008, we have published a focus issue on nanoscience education, is to publish the most significant social science research that explores the which subsequently led to the launch of a research in all areas of nanoscience and public perceptions of nanotechnology regular page dedicated to education called nanotechnology and, as a result, our as Letters and Articles, our two primary In the Classroom. This page has featured authors are a diverse group. They are research formats. (Before this, such work perspectives from scientists, students though made up primarily of physicists, featured only in our Commentary section.) and entrepreneurs. chemists, materials scientists, engineers However, we have published only a handful But can we do more? There are and biologists. Like all branches of of research papers on the topic. certainly areas where we could increase science, nanotechnology also has social To date, our coverage of the our coverage. For example, papers on and economic implications, and in order social and economic implications of policy analysis, economic viability and to provide a complete picture of the field, nanotechnology has occurred primarily the scalability of proof-of-principle these topics should feature in the journal through the ‘front half’ of the journal. demonstrations rarely reach our inbox, as well. For example, our Thesis writers, and let alone publication. Such issues, along Chris Toumey in particular, often discuss with work on public perception, are Nanotechnology has social historical, philosophical and social essential components in the development themes. Alternatively, we have published of nanotechnology. To deliver the complete and economic implications, Commentaries on economic issues such picture of the field we strive for at the and these topics should as the insurability of nanotechnology and journal, we must also aim to publish the development of the nanobiotechnology significant opinions, analysis and original feature in the journal as well. industry. Furthermore, we have published research in all of these topics. ❐

NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY | VOL 10 | FEBRUARY 2015 | www.nature.com/naturenanotechnology 101