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Created a machine for assembling organic molecules
The machine for assembling molecules i>
Chemists from the University of Illinois under the leadership of Martin Burke built a device that can do all the assembly of organic molecules such as simple as printing details on 3D-printer. Automating this process will accelerate the development of new drugs and other technology-dependent synthesis of "small molecules».
"Small molecule" refers to the compact class of organic molecules that are widely used, for example, as the basis of drugs in medicine. Also their properties via biologists studying cells and tissues. But these molecules are very difficult to synthesize in the laboratory.
More 20 years ago, the production of a given substance was non-trivial task in itself. One could spend a year in search of paths that led, eventually, to obtain the desired molecule. In recent years, the theory of strongly moved forward, and the process of obtaining the necessary substance became only depend on the availability of the necessary equipment and funding. And with such a device issue synthesis is almost in a few mouse clicks.
Molecular machine works by collecting the necessary molecules from simpler components which are the building blocks. It has already demonstrated the creation of 14 different molecules, including for the synthesis of complex ring structures. One of the scientific observers even called this discovery & quot; end of an era synthesis & quot;.
First of all, a company founded by Burke specializes in drugs for the fungus. It is expected that the development of technology will create unique opportunities in other areas of medicine. Opportunity to collect virtually any molecule will help to overcome the current bottleneck is to synthesize necessary substances, and will accelerate the research groups that do not have specialists in organic synthesis.
Source: geektimes.ru/post/247202/
