Energy consumption in chemical fuel-driven self-assembly

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Synthetic Biology
• Chemical Thermodynamics

Background:

• Nature utilizes transient, high-energy self-assembly structures that perform work via dissipative processes.
• These natural systems often consume molecular fuel to drive thermodynamically unfavorable reactions, operating far from equilibrium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bridge experimental approaches and conceptual frameworks in chemical fuel-driven dissipative self-assembly.
• To clarify fundamental principles and terminology, fostering progress in synthetic non-equilibrium self-assembly.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and synthesis of current research in dissipative self-assembly.
• Review of experimental strategies and theoretical underpinnings of chemical fuel-driven systems.

Main Results:

• Identified a lack of clarity in the basic principles and definitions governing chemical fuel-driven dissipative self-assembly.
• Highlighted the potential for synthetic implementation to create innovative dissipative structures for energy conversion and storage.
• Suggested that chemically fueled dissipative processes may have been critical in biological evolution.

Conclusions:

• Clarifying the principles of non-equilibrium self-assembly is crucial for advancing synthetic chemistry, materials science, and synthetic biology.
• Synthetic dissipative self-assembly offers pathways to novel energy-storing materials and systems.
• Chemically fueled dissipative processes offer insights into the origins and mechanisms of life.