Chemical Reaction Networks for signal amplification, spatiotemporal control, and materials

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living entities, and ultimately, provide the structure of all living things. As an example, the human body consists of trillions of cells. Each cell is responsible for a specific function, and is comprised of a complex biological system that is sustained by an underlying network of signaling pathways that can be described by networks of chemical reactions. In general, these chemical reaction networks (CRNs) are involved in processes such as signaling, protein synthesis, and homeostasis. There have been numerous strategies targeted at understanding the complexity of such chemical reaction networks, however, many of these experimental systems rely on harsh chemical conditions or toxic components, and are therefore more difficult to interface with (bio)materials or real-life applications. The H2020 EU funded project "CReaNet" aims to solve this problem, with the goal of developing biocompatible CRNs for signal amplification and novel (bio)materials. The idea is that such materials will be tunable by introducing positive/negative feedback mechanisms allowing the desired function to be programmed, such as oscillations or movement. The advantage of using programmable and biocompatible CRNs is that they can be easily combined with other biological processes and materials. As an example, by generating a method to amplify a weak chemical signal using chemical reaction networks we could achieve ultrasensitive analyte detection, which could then be used in forensic investigations in real time and on-site. Additionally, these networks hold great promise for the generation of future ultrasensitive sensors, for finding advanced production schemes towards high value chemicals and for enabling future autonomous and adaptive materials.

The CReaNet project is funded by the European union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska‐Curie grant agreement no. 812868, which is one the largest EU research and innovation programs. It brings together an interdisciplinary team of 6 proven academic experts and 4 non-academic partners, from France to Israel, to unravel design principles for chemical reaction networks. This network of scientists in the fields of (bio)chemistry, biophysics, nanoscience, analytical theory, and microfluidics, who all have the goal to push the boundaries of the current state-of-the-art. The goal of CReaNet is not only to develop CRN-based dynamic, autonomous, and programmable materials, but also train the future generation of scientists in this exciting new and developing field.

Provided by University of Strasbourg