Physical autocatalysis driven by a bond-forming thiol-ene reaction

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Origin of Life Studies
• Biophysics

Background:

• Autocatalysis is fundamental to life's propagation and the emergence of biological systems from inanimate matter.
• Protocellular models require understanding the formation and evolution of surfactant boundaries like micelles or vesicles.
• Existing models must explain the origin and development of these essential cellular compartments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel autocatalytic system capable of molecular self-reproduction.
• To investigate the role of micelles in catalyzing molecular self-reproduction.
• To provide a working model for the autocatalytic formation of protocells.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of an autocatalytic reaction between two simple components forming a complex product.
• Analysis of reaction kinetics and aggregation behavior of the products.
• Rational design of a second-generation autocatalytic system based on initial findings.

Main Results:

• The reaction products spontaneously aggregate into micelles.
• These micelles were found to catalyze molecular self-reproduction.
• A mechanism involving micelle-mediated physical autocatalysis was proposed.
• The system demonstrates irreversible bond formation driving the reactions.

Conclusions:

• The described system provides a functional model for the autocatalytic formation of protocells.
• This work elucidates the coupling of simple molecular components to form self-reproducing entities.
• The findings offer insights into the principles underlying the emergence of cellular life.