Researchers have developed a molecular pump, which can transport key proteins needed for cells to function effectively. The pump can also be used to power artificial muscles. The artificial pump works by drawing power from chemical reactions, driving molecules step-by-step from a low-energy state to a high-energy state-far away from equilibrium.

Fraser Stoddart from the Northwestern University said “Our molecular pump is radical chemistry – an ingenious way of transferring energy from molecule to molecule, the way nature does”.

Right now the artificial molecular pump can only force two rings together, but the researchers believe they may soon be able to make the process work with tens of rings and more energy storage.

The molecular pump has been designed using kinetic barriers, that allows molecules to flow “uphill” energetically. Ultimately, they intend to use the energy stored in their pump to power artificial muscles and other molecular machines. The researchers also hope their design will inspire other chemists working in non-equilibrium chemistry.