2017/02/01 by Thomas E. Ouldridge, Ouldridge, Thomas E.
Chemistry · Engineering · #FOS: Biological sciences #FOS: Physical sciences #Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures #Molecular Networks (q-bio.MN) #Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech) #Surface Chemistry and Catalysis #Various Chemistry Research Topics
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1702.00360
openalex publication_date 2017/02/01 · openalex created_date 2022/08/15 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Improved understanding of molecular systems has only emphasised the sophistication of networks within the cell. Simultaneously, the advance of nucleic acid nanotechnology, a platform within which reactions can be exquisitely controlled, has made the development of artificial architectures and devices possible. Vital to this progress has been a solid foundation in the thermodynamics of molecular systems. In this pedagogical review and perspective, I will discuss how thermodynamics determines both the overall potential of molecular networks, and the minute details of design. I will then argue that, in turn, the need to understand molecular systems is helping to drive the development of theories of thermodynamics at the microscopic scale.