Three-dimensional images enhance our molecular understanding of nature
Xiaodong Zou has long dreamed of being able to take pictures of the tiniest constituents of nature, such as aromatic substances – scents and odors. She is now developing analytical methods that image small molecules in three dimensions and in greater detail than ever before. This opens the way for better drugs and new fundamental discoveries in chemistry.
Xiaodong Zou Photo: Magnus Bergström/KAW
As long ago as the 1990s, when she was a young PhD student, Zou wanted to image the structure of proteins, the smallest building blocks of life. But the technology at the time was not yet ready, and she had to shelve her plans.
“My supervisor said the project was too difficult, but I never let go of the idea.”
For many years she focused on inorganic materials, especially porous materials, and worked painstakingly on developing methods. Meanwhile, technological advances were being made. With the help of electron microscopy she could begin to obtain high-resolution 3D images of materials.
This opened a window to a new “nano-world” in which it is possible to see how the atoms that make up a material are arranged. This new knowledge has enabled scientists to tailor materials possessing the desired properties.
She continued to nurture the dream of being able to image organic molecules with the same richness of detail, one aim being to learn how different biological systems work and how to develop more effective drugs to treat diseases.
