Self-organization in an Open Reaction Network for Developing High-function Organized Molecular Systems

Self-organized molecular systems such as liposomes and supramolecules have attracted considerable attention due to their characteristic properties. An open reaction network (ORN) is another interesting candidate for such systems; however, no stabilization mechanism has been clarified. This work reveals, by computer simulation and experiments, that a network of irreversible processes such as an ORN can be stabilized by self-organization through a full balance between all the involved irreversible processes, thus forming a steady state. The formation of a steady state indicates that a large spontaneous order is formed; specifically, self-organization occurs. Computer simulations also reveal that such a steady state characteristically evolves toward a high-efficiency state through the development of highly ordered structures. These findings indicate that ORN provides a new method for developing high-function organized molecular systems, such as an efficient catalytic system in a composite of ORN and equilibrium molecular structures such as supramolecules and polymers.