Energy transduction in KInetically asymmetric catalytic NETworks

Introduction

Endergonic processes are central to life. They are achieved by enzymes that change conformation during their catalytic cycle. Thus, biological non-equilibrium processes are catalysis-driven. The realization of catalysis-driven processes in artificial systems has proven challenging. It remains limited to synthetically demanding interlocked structures, which were upgraded with catalytic features affecting ring sliding motion.

Project Goals

With KI-NET, I want to develop a general biomimetic strategy enabling endergonic processes driven by chemical catalysis. I plan to invert the current approach by introducing defined conformational freedom into simple catalytic units.

Scientific Objectives

KI-NET's scientific objectives go beyond the state of the art in chemically-driven non-equilibrium systems, with the aim to:

1. Establish an unconventional theoretical approach based on “effective transition states” that guides experiments and reveals common underlying principles for catalysis-driven processes and chemical oscillations.
2. Realize endergonic conformation changes powered by catalytic processes, including ATP hydrolysis.
3. Promote endergonic assembly reactions that will reveal how energy consumption directs chemical adaptation.
4. Realize an artificial synthase: a catalyst that harvests energy from one reaction and uses it to drive a different one.

Methodology

I will implement a theory-guided experimental approach at the interface between systems chemistry and molecular machines. Leveraging my broad chemistry background, I will address questions that expand towards physics – in terms of formalizing models – and biology – in terms of operating systems to be imitated and unraveled.

Impact

Realizing KI-NET allows overcoming thermodynamic boundaries. Unforeseen opportunities become possible in material science and energy management, such as the realization of artificial mitochondria. Indeed, KI-NET pioneers a largely unexplored area of science at the roots of dissipative systems, complex phenomena, and – ultimately, life.