Systems chemistry

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Systems chemistry is a new research area in chemistry that deals with the study of networks of interacting molecules. New functions result from a complex mixture of individual compounds within molecules or supramolecules . The overall structure results from various hierarchical levels with emergent properties. Emergence means the development of new properties or structures of a system as a result of the interaction of its elements. For some applications, dynamic equilibrium mixtures are more suitable than isolated molecules or polymers.

Comparison with systems biology

Systems chemistry is a relatively new sub-discipline of chemistry, whereby the focus is not on an individual chemical compound, but on an overall network of interacting molecules and their emergent (resulting) properties. Classic chemistry and the knowledge of structure, bonds and interactions between molecules are combined with the systems approach, inspired by systems biology and systems physics. Systems chemistry deals, among other things, with evolution , with the question of the conditions under which inanimate matter has passed into macromolecules. ( Abiogenesis )

history

While multicomponent reactions have been explored for centuries, the idea of ​​studying mixtures and reaction networks is relatively new. Systems chemistry was first mentioned as a research area in 2005. The first approaches to systems chemistry focused on prebiotic chemistry, combined with supramolecular chemistry , before expanding the studies to emerging properties and functions of complex molecular systems. A first review appeared on this in 2017. It describes equilibria and imbalances of a molecular self-assembly, molecular movements, chemical networks and oscillating reactions.

Combinatorial chemistry as a precursor to systems chemistry

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry has been used as a method to design ligands for biomolecules and receptors for small ions.

Ligands that can recognize biomolecules can be found by testing libraries of potential ligands on a target molecule. Targets are biomacromolecules. This experiment lays the foundation for the application of systems chemistry. An example are biosensors for diagnostics, with which one can determine imbalances and diseases, and therapy reagents.

Individual compounds of a certain chemical system form self-assemblies and thus form receptors that are complementary to a target molecule. In principle, the molecules in a molecule library are tested depending on the strength of the interaction between template and product.

Molecular Networks and Equilibria

There is a fundamental difference between chemistry in the laboratory and chemistry in the environment and in everyday life. Laboratory processes are usually designed and planned in advance, whereby a system loses energy, which means that the energy level of the product is lower than that of the starting material, resulting in stable products that can be isolated and stored or preserved. Chemistry in the environment or in living systems differs from this: Most molecules in living systems are constantly in motion and are constantly being converted, and are not necessarily thermodynamically stable. Nonetheless, living systems can be stable in a homeostatic sense. You need energy to live. Continuous energy supply allows a continuous transition between different supramolecular states, whereby one wants to discover systems with particularly preferred properties. One of the greatest challenges in systems chemistry is complex reaction networks, whereby the molecules always consume energy in order to fulfill certain functions.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Sadownik, Otto: Systems Chemistry . In: Encyclopedia of Astrobiology . 2015, pp. 1–3. doi : 10.1007 / 978-3-642-27833-4_1095-2 .
  2. ^ Center for Systems Chemistry . Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  3. ↑ Kristina Kučanda: What is systems chemistry and how does it differ from systems biology? . 2014. Retrieved October 26, 2017.
  4. ↑ Nachrichten aus der Chemie, 67, (2019), 62–65.
  5. ↑ Kiedrowski, Herdewijn: Welcome Home, Chemists system! . In: Journal of Systems Chemistry . 1, 2010, p. 1. doi : 10.1186 / 1759-2208-1-1 .
  6. ↑ Stankiewicz, Eckardt: Chembiogenesis 2005 and Systems Chemistry Workshop . In: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. . 45, No. 3, 2006, pp. 324-344. doi : 10.1002 / anie.200504139 .
  7. ^ Kindermann, Kiedrowski: Systems Chemistry: Kinetic and Computational Analysis of a Nearly Exponential Organic Replicator . In: Angew. Chem. . 117, No. 41, 2005, pp. 6908-6913. doi : 10.1002 / anie.200501527 .
  8. ^ Ashkenasy, Taylor: Systems Chemistry . In: Chem. Soc. Rev. . 46, No. 9, 2017, pp. 2543-2554. doi : 10.1186 / 1759-2208-1-1 . PMID 28418049 .
  9. ^ Li, Otto: Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries: From Exploring Molecular Recognition to Systems Chemistry . In: J. Am. Chem. Soc. . 135, No. 25, 2013, pp. 9222-9239. doi : 10.1021 / ja402586c . PMID 23731408 .
  10. ^ Verma, Rotello: Surface recognition of biomacromolecules using nanoparticle receptors . In: Chem. Comm. . 3, 2005, pp. 303-312.
  11. ↑ Kiedrowski, Herdewijn: chemistry system . In: Chem. Soc. Rev. . 37, 2008, pp. 101-108.