In Tokyo, Japan, on June 24, 2025, a team of researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, unveiled a remarkable innovation: a 'molecular flask.' This single polymer molecule, detailed in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is engineered to control chemical reactions within its nanoscale interior. This breakthrough promises unprecedented precision in polymer synthesis, potentially transforming the production of specialized materials.
Led by Xiangyuan Guo, the team created a 'bottlebrush' polymer. This design features a central, wormlike structure with numerous protruding side chains. These side chains form an internal buffer zone, allowing selective entry of substances while excluding others. This design enables the formation of polymers within spaces as small as a single molecule.
Senior author Shintaro Nakagawa highlighted the versatility of this approach by successfully synthesizing two distinct types of polymers, including a specialized conjugated polymer based on thiophene. This has applications in optoelectronics. The nanoscale reaction spaces, measuring tens of nanometers, provide a level of control akin to that of enzymes in biological systems.
This advancement could revolutionize the production of nanoparticles and other materials. Potential applications include medicine, sensing technologies, and various other fields. The research aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and precision of polymer synthesis. This is demonstrated by recent advancements in photopolymerization techniques.