Template-Triggered Emergence of a Self-Replicator from a Dynamic Combinatorial Library.

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Systems Chemistry

Background:

• Dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) are systems of reversibly interacting molecules.
• Self-replication requires a molecule's concentration to exceed its critical aggregation concentration (CAC).
• Previous DCL research has not fully addressed the initiation of self-replication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how template addition can initiate self-replication in a DCL.
• To demonstrate that template-induced complexes can overcome the CAC threshold.
• To show that initiated self-replication can become template-independent.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs).
• Employing template-directed synthesis to form molecular complexes.
• Monitoring molecular aggregation and concentration relative to the critical aggregation concentration (CAC).

Main Results:

• Template addition successfully increased the concentration of a specific library member-template complex above its CAC.
• This increase initiated self-replication of the library member.
• The self-replicating aggregates continued to form even after template removal.

Conclusions:

• Templates can act as catalysts for initiating self-replication in DCLs.
• Overcoming the CAC is a crucial step for self-replication onset.
• Self-replication, once initiated, can become self-sustaining and template-independent.