From life-inspired materials to the origin of life: dissipative structures by molecular design.

Abstract: Living matter functions conceptually differently from non-living matter. It is active and is organized in space and time through the interaction of five major types of processes: biochemical reactions, diffusion, noncovalent self-assembly, phase separation, and mechanical motion. This design provides adaptivity, evolvability, and the ability to self-replicate, which are unique for life. In contrast, the chemists’ ability to build dynamically organized systems (e.g., chemical oscillators) is limited. Interconnections and feedback loops between different processes make them non-modular (holistic) and, consequently, hard to understand and rationally construct. Nevertheless, the ability to construct dynamically organized systems opens possibilities (i) to obtain materials with life-like properties and (ii) to probe the role of dynamic self-assembly in the origin of Life. In this talk, I propose using the chemists’ ability to design and synthesize molecules for the rational construction of dynamic systems and materials. I will illustrate this strategy with the rational design of chemical oscillators, waves, patterns, actuators, and microstructures. In perspective, this work opens a path toward constructing life-like dynamic materials and observing emergent phenomena in prebiotically relevant chemistry.

materials chemistrynanoscienceorganic chemistryphysical chemistrysupramolecular chemistryadaptation and self-organizing systems

Audience: researchers in the topic

( video )

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Systems Chemistry Discussion Series

Series comments: In the past decade, systems chemistry has emerged as a field for studying complex chemical systems akin to life. Systems chemistry is interdisciplinary by nature, with inspirations from various fields including biology, physics and computer science. However, the researchers from different backgrounds tend to lack common "language" to communicate with, as well as common goals to pursue as a field.

In this discussion series, we discuss variety of topics about systems chemistry, such as Brownian ratchet mechanisms, feedback-controlled systems, nonequilibrium thermodynamics, adaptive materials, supramolecular assemblies etc.. We aim at bridging the gaps between the different subfields by free, in-depth discussions on each topic. The discussion is held every 1-2 months. On each occasion, a speaker will give a presentation (20-30 min), followed by discussion (1-1.5 h).

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