“造小”的艺术，用分子构筑新材料

Core Insights - A recent collaboration between Chinese and Dutch scientists has successfully synthesized a dynamic polymer with a distinct double-helix structure, inspired by the Shanghai Tower, marking a significant advancement in biomimetic smart materials [2][10] - The polymer exhibits dynamic behavior similar to natural proteins, allowing it to expand and contract with temperature changes, fully unwind under specific conditions, and degrade into absorbable small molecules, presenting new avenues for material development [2][4] Research Background - The research was conducted by the Nobel Prize-winning team at East China University of Science and Technology, inspired by the architectural design of the Shanghai Tower, which is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world [2] - The team aimed to create artificial polymers with similar geometric features and dynamic functions as biological helical polymers, which play critical roles in information storage and structural support in living organisms [2][3] Methodology - The researchers began with basic small molecules, using natural, biocompatible "molecular building blocks" like amino acids and disulfide bonds, connected through dynamic reversible chemical bonds to form stable helical structures [3] - Initial designs relied on weak interactions, leading to structural collapse under heat or environmental changes, but breakthroughs were achieved by combining dynamic covalent bonds with rigid amino acid backbones, resulting in a flexible yet stable helical structure [3][4] Applications - The new polymer demonstrates potential in biocompatible materials, suitable for next-generation wearable or implantable medical devices, capable of adapting to complex mechanical environments within the body and safely metabolizing after use [4] - Its excellent mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and complete degradability position it as an ideal candidate for applications in flexible neural interfaces, targeted drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds [4] Broader Implications - The research highlights the importance of bridging physical laws and biological phenomena, showcasing how simple molecular components can lead to complex structures and functionalities, a principle that has driven significant scientific advancements [5][6] - The ongoing development of molecular machines and nanotechnology, as evidenced by previous Nobel Prize-winning work, underscores the potential for these innovations to revolutionize various fields, including medicine and environmental science [6][9]