Italiano
Chemistry imitates nature to become sustainable
Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
One of the central topics discussed during the 74th Nobel Laureate Meeting, held in Lindau, Germany, in July 2025, was the role of chemistry in tackling the environmental crisis through the adoption of innovative and sustainable approaches. The discussion involved dozens of Nobel Laureates and hundreds of young scientists, highlighting the urgency of redefining the operational models of scientific research in the context of environmental sustainability.
The first thematic focus concerned the need for a critical reassessment of chemistry’s legacy. On the one hand, chemistry has decisively contributed to the industrial and technological development of the 20th century; on the other, it has produced highly persistent substances and materials—often non-biodegradable—that accumulate in the environment with long-term negative effects. A prime example is silicones, ubiquitous materials not recognized by nature and thus not degradable through spontaneous biological processes.
Professor Frances Arnold, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 2018, presented a major advancement in this area: the development of the first enzyme capable of breaking bonds between organic groups and silicon. This achievement represents a concrete first step towards reversing industrial processes and demonstrates the effectiveness of a bio-inspired molecular approach. In this regard, the concept of directed enzyme evolution was addressed—namely, applying the principles of natural selection to create artificial biocatalysts with new functionalities. This approach, strongly advocated by Arnold herself, enables the design of enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions more selectively, cleanly, and efficiently than traditional chemistry. Enzymes operate at room temperature, in aqueous solutions, and without generating toxic by-products, making them ideal tools for the ecological transition of chemistry.
It is worth noting that this strategy is not only ethically desirable but also economically advantageous. Green chemistry can be less expensive and more resource-efficient than conventional methods.
The urgency for change was also stressed by Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate in Physics in 1997 and former U.S. Secretary of Energy. Chu drew attention to the fact that we have already surpassed the 1.5 °C threshold of global warming and are likely to reach 2 to 2.5 °C in the coming decades, calling for immediate action not only in science but also in politics and technology.
In this context, the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in research processes was emphasized: from predicting molecular structures to selecting promising enzyme variants, AI enables a drastic acceleration of scientific development. However, Arnold warned of the associated risks concerning biosafety, equitable access to tools, and the need for quality control.
The forward-looking perspectives of Ben Feringa (Nobel 2016) and Stanley Whittingham (Nobel 2019) broadened the discussion towards a design-based and circular chemistry—one capable not only of imitating but, in some cases, surpassing nature. Feringa envisions future CO₂ conversion systems more efficient than photosynthesis, while Whittingham highlights the need for batteries that are repairable, long-lasting, and recyclable.
These contributions underscore the necessity of rethinking the entire life cycle of materials, moving beyond a linear approach in favor of a systemic and regenerative one.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that chemistry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the need to respond to the global environmental crisis. The adoption of bio-inspired models, enzyme evolution, the use of artificial intelligence, and the circular design of technologies are emerging as the main guiding principles of this new vision.
The Lindau Meeting thus represents not only a moment of high-level scientific dialogue but also a symbolic and tangible sign of a shared commitment to science in the service of the planet. To be truly sustainable, the chemistry of the future must learn to build while already knowing how to dismantle—balancing technological progress with environmental responsibility.