Fig. 1: A programmable autocatalytic chemical network under out-of-equilibrium conditions.
From: Exploring the programmability of autocatalytic chemical reaction networks
Trypsin, Tr, acts as a catalyst for the conversion of its precursor trypsinogen, Tg, into Tr, resulting in autocatalysis. The rate and onset of the autocatalysis can be controlled by the metal ion, X, and the inhibitor, I. Together, they form a chemical reaction network (CRN), which is maintained under out-of-equilibrium conditions using a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). The CRN accepts instructions encoded in a defined sequence of initial concentrations of metal ions ([X]0), and/or inhibitor—the INPUT—and performs a range of tasks as a defined sequence that could be mapped onto a mathematical function—the OUTPUT. [Tr] denotes concentration of Tr in CSTR; t and τ denote time and residence time in CSTR, respectively.
