Top 10 Emerging Technologies in the Field of Chemistry for 2021 Announced

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Recently, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) released a list of the top 10 emerging technologies in the field of chemistry for 2021. Top 10 Emerging Technologies in the Field of Chemistry in 2021: Blockchain technology, Semi-synthetic life, Superwettability, Artificial humic matter, Chemical synthesis of RNA and DNA, Sonochemical coatings, Chemiluminescence for biological use, Sustainable production of ammonia, Targeted protein degradation, Single cell metabolomics. Blockchain technology: Advances in digitization make chemical innovation more reproducible and traceable. Blockchain can store various types of information, but its most common use to date has been as a digital ledger for transactions. It is worth noting that blockchain is decentralized, meaning no individual or group can control it, and the data entered is permanently recorded and accessible. British chemists have attempted to use blockchain to track a series of simple calculations, with the process at each stage being recorded and shared in a digital ledger. Some chemical companies have developed blockchain-based systems to modernize their supply chains, thereby enabling secure transactions and continuous tracking of goods. Semi-synthetic life forms: The creation of novel nucleotides that expand biochemistry and therapeutics enables chemists to build artificial biochemical machines, with new systems designed to minimize the number of errors during transcription and translation. They provide new chemical tools for the design of targeted therapies, including Thor-707, which is used to attack metastatic solid tumors and is currently in clinical trials. Superwetting: A century-old discovery offers new opportunities. Superwetting materials combine two extreme states—hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity—and possess unique fluid dynamic and reactive properties. To create them, researchers drew inspiration from nature, such as studying the lotus leaf, which is extremely difficult to wet. They have created nanosstructured surfaces on metals, polymers, and textiles for potential applications including water splitting, pollutant removal, self-cleaning textiles, oil-water separation, and phase-change liquid cooling. Artificial humus develops carbon-negative solutions for sustainable and efficient agriculture. Organic matter is broken down into humus, providing valuable nutrients to the soil; however, this process generates carbon dioxide and methane. Therefore, artificially producing humus is more sustainable and efficient. When added to soil, artificial humus can improve soil quality, increase crop yields, and reduce fertilizer use. Currently, there are several methods to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter—and hydrothermal decay is becoming one of the most promising approaches. Chemical synthesis of RNA and DNA; prospects for the use of nucleic acids in pharmacology after COVID vaccines. The successful development of mRNA-based COVID vaccines has paved the way for new therapies targeting cancer, diabetes, and other infectious diseases. The chemical synthesis of RNA and DNA is now fully automated and can be carried out using several desktop synthesis devices. This technology is still evolving; for example, by using the same principle as traditional inkjet printers, scientists are able to print different DNA strands directly and precisely into silicon-based microreactors – devices with countless applications in chemistry, biotechnology, and medicine. Acoustic chemical coatings – safer, more durable materials with added value. Acoustics chemistry involves the use of (ultra)sound waves to trigger chemical reactions, offering great potential for creating innovative materials, especially for surfaces such as antibacterial or smart coatings that can detect strains of pathogenic bacteria through simple color changes. Currently, applications in development include extending the shelf life of food, as well as improving the performance and stability of lithium-ion batteries. The industry is currently exploring new possibilities to expand this technology to industrial settings, as well as developing roll-to-roll methods that enable the continuous production of coated materials. Chemiluminescence in biology: Water-soluble dioxabicyclanes improve the speed and sensitivity of biological detection. Luminescent molecules are very useful in many applications, whether it is for detecting blood at crime scenes (luminol) or for illuminating biological samples under a microscope (green fluorescent protein). Scientists are also continuously improving luminescent molecules for use in high-efficiency diodes, safety signals, biological research, and other applications. For example, dioxaborolane-based chemiluminescent probes can emit bright light in the presence of water, even without the help of organic solvents, which makes them particularly suitable for imaging biological systems. Dioxaborolane probes show great promise in detecting certain types of tumors, and can even help distinguish between cancer subtypes. Sustainable production of ammonia: Green alternatives to the Haber-Bosch process. The Haber-Bosch process, used for the synthesis of ammonia, is one of the most successful chemical reactions in history. But it is a highly energy-intensive process that emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, and scientists need a sustainable alternative method for producing ammonia. To achieve this goal, they envisioned two complementary strategies. On the one hand, they draw inspiration from nature—particularly nitrogenase in bacteria and cyanobacteria, which, thanks to iron and molybdenum cofactors, can reduce nitrogen gas. On the other hand, chemists also use electrical energy to break triazine-nitrogen bonds, while obtaining hydrogen atoms from water. If the energy used comes from renewable sources—wind, hydroelectric, solar—this process becomes even more sustainable, as it eliminates the need to rely on hydrogen obtained from fossil fuels. Targeting protein degradation: Utilizing our cellular mechanisms to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry. Chemists and biochemists often draw inspiration from nature. The same is true for targeted protein degradation, an innovative chemical tool with great therapeutic potential. The principle is quite simple: it uses the degradation pathways of our own cells to eliminate problematic proteins. This technology has attracted billions in investment, spurred the emergence of many startups, and even led to a variety of clinical trials. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of using proteasomal degradation to treat diseases related to protein accumulation, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Single-cell metabolomics analyzes biomolecules, one cell at a time; it enables the determination of the metabolic characteristics of individual cells. With the development of imaging methods and technologies, advancements such as mass spectrometry have provided new perspectives for understanding individual cells. Against the backdrop of a coronavirus outbreak or unknown situations that may arise in the future, single-cell metabolomics will demonstrate its tremendous potential. Some studies utilize their power to gain a better understanding of the infection process and the interactions between invading viruses and our cells.