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Starting from a homogeneous blend of non-biochemistry related substances, we use light to start a Polymerization Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) reaction that triggers the boot-up of micron scale chemical systems. After forming, these grow, move, implode, self-reproduce and, for different types, compete for resources and show their “struggle for existence”.

Albertsen, A., Szymański, J. & Pérez-Mercader, J. Emergent Properties of Giant Vesicles Formed by a Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) Reaction. Sci Rep 7, 41534 (2017)

Summary of Juan Perez-Mercader’s Harvard's Origins of Life Initiative Forum, delivered May 12, 2021

 

Juan Perez-Mercader’s Harvard's Origins of Life Initiative Forum, delivered May 12, 2021