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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Generating Controlled, Dynamic Chemical Landscapes to Study Microbial Behavior

Generating Controlled, Dynamic Chemical Landscapes to Study Microbial Behavior

Published on: January 31, 2020

Stimuli-Responsive Chemical Systems That Mimic Biological Dynamics.

Antonio Aguanell^1,2, Álvaro Sarabia-Vallejo^1,3, Marc Hennebelle¹

¹Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Department, Centro De Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Madrid, Spain.

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|November 30, 2025

Summary

Scientists are creating synthetic systems that mimic life's adaptability and self-regulation using chemical networks. These fuel-driven systems offer new tools for engineering responsive materials and artificial cells for diverse applications.

Keywords:

artificial cells non‐equilibrium systems smart materials supramolecular chemistry synthetic biology

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Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Generating Controlled, Dynamic Chemical Landscapes to Study Microbial Behavior

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Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

Published on: January 28, 2016

Area of Science:

Systems Chemistry
Biomimicry
Synthetic Biology

Background:

Living systems exhibit adaptability, motion, and self-regulation via non-equilibrium chemical networks.
Synthetic replication requires precise control over kinetics, thermodynamics, and molecular design for programmed function.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in stimuli-responsive and chemically powered systems.
To highlight molecular assemblies and machines that mimic life-like behaviors.
To explore the potential of these systems in various technological fields.

Main Methods:

Review of molecular assemblies sustaining transient states.
Analysis of chemically powered molecular machines.
Examination of responsive materials and nucleic acid-based networks.
Study of artificial cells exhibiting compartmentalization and signaling.

Main Results:

Demonstration of life-like behaviors (oscillations, motion, adaptation) in synthetic systems.
Encoding of function using fuel-driven cycles and stimulus-gated switches.
Development of a growing toolbox including self-powered systems, molecular motors, smart materials, and artificial cells.

Conclusions:

These developments bridge systems chemistry and biomimicry, expanding the chemical toolkit for engineering adaptive matter.
Such systems deepen understanding of living matter's molecular foundations and open new technological routes.
Future integration of multiple life-essential functions into single constructs will enable synthetic systems mimicking complex biological network behaviors.