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Macromolecules: A bridge between material sciences and life Sciences
The development of polymer sciences stimulated the production of new materials with a wide variety of applications in high technology. As early as 1926, Staudinger emphasized the significance of macromolecules for biochemistry and biology. His intention, supported by his wife, Magda, was to create a new research discipline of macromolecular bioscience or, as we would call it today, macromolecular life science. He concluded his Nobel Prize acceptance speech by describing his vision: "In the light of new insights in macromolecular chemistry, the miracle of life shows an exceptional multitude and perfection of architectures characteristic of living matter." Nature uses a very small number of monomers, such as amino acids and saccharides, to produce a large variety of biopolymers with specific functions in cell structures, transport, catalysis, and replication. Today, innovations in life sciences, especially biotechnology, will continue to stimulate the creation of new synthetic biopolymers, with unprecedented control of molecular architectures and biological activities.
Hermann Staudinger: Father of macromolecular chemistry |
Staudinger's life and career |
Political concerns
Industrial significance of polymer science |
Macromolecules: A bridge between material sciences and life sciences
Hermann Staudinger's life and achievements |
Landmark designation
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