F1 - Supramolecular Systems
Révision datée du 19 janvier 2012 à 15:49 par F1 (discussion | contributions)
Rédacteurs: Nicolas Giuseppone, Mario Ruben, Mihail Stadler, Franck Hoonakker, Emilie Moulin, Jean-Marc Planeix, Mourad Elhabiri, (Ali Trabolsi)
Definition of complexity
C = M*I*I
M: Multiplicity
- One single molecule can present several properties e.g. Multiplicity of binding sites, number of energy levels....
- Mutiplicity of components: number of components (molecular) /constituents (supramolecular) in the system
I: Interaction
- Complentaries of shapes, of charges, of energy levels (Program writing / reading)
- Thermodynamic and kinetic of the interaction (reversibility, lability), covalent / non-covalent bonds, short-range/long-range
C/ Interactions of molecules with their environments (possibly in flux of energies far from equilibrium)
I: Integration
- Collective structuring
- In space: From sub-nano, to meso, to macro
- In time: Modulation of structures, oscillations
- Emergence of new properties because of the network topologies (feedback loops)
- Emergence of new functions
Characteristics for supramolecular complexity
Specificity of interactions and integrations
- From bimolecular recognition (host-guest) to large self-assemblies
- Hierarchy of self-assemblies
Dynamics is important and can take place at the three levels M, I, and I in time and space
- Conformational Dynamic
- Constitutional dynamic: reversibility of the structure of the systems components
- Network dynamics in coupled reactions
- Reversible dynamics at the three levels allow adaptation
Reversibility is an important requirement for evolvability
- Creates stocastic behavior for exploration of phenotypes
- Generate adaptativity by "mutations" which are driven by internal, or environmental parameters (e.g. stimuli, effectors)
Cooperativity is part of the integration processes which is important for modulations
- Allosteric effects
- Long range interactions and colective behaviors (e.g. phase transitions)
- Auto-catalysis and cross-catalysis
- Cooperativity allows emergence
Consequences of supramolecular complexity
Diversity
Selection
Evolution
New functions
Open questions
- Is supramolecular complexity (one of the) the support to produce thinking matter?
- If yes, is this pathway continuous or does it present at one point a strong nonlinearity in evolution? Information/consciousness?
Possible Applications and societal implications
Medicine
- Drugs
- Transfections - Delivery
- Imaging
Celullar biology
- Understanding of the construction of molecular networks
- Understanding protein foldings
- Biomimetic behaviors
Environmental sciences
- CO2 capture
- Water purification
Chemistry and materials
- Catalysis
- Organic electronics
- Solar cells
- Self-healing materials
- Smart materials (responsive/adaptive)
- Molecular motors
- Information processing and engineering