Micelles that are capable of catalyzing their own replication are attractive as a model for prebiotic structures. Several autocatalytic systems of this kind have been described in the literature. Unfortunately, most of these reports deal with trivial, bond-breaking reactions (such as ester hydrolysis). In this presentation, we shall describe our studies of autocatalytic, self-replicating micelles based on bond-making cycloaddition reactions. We will also discuss the potential of micellar replicators to be involved in the emergence of chirality.

Autocatalytic self-replicating micelles through bond-forming reactions

246th National Meeting (2013)

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