Living matter functions conceptually differently from non-living matter. It is active and is organized in space and time through the interaction of five major types of processes: biochemical reactions, diffusion, noncovalent self-assembly, phase separation, and mechanical motion. This design provides adaptivity, evolvability, and the ability to self-replicate, which are unique for life. In contrast, the chemists’ ability to build dynamically organized systems (e.g., chemical oscillators) is limited. Interconnections and feedback loops between different processes make them non-modular (holistic) and, consequently, hard to understand and rationally construct. Nevertheless, the ability to construct dynamically organized systems opens possibilities (i) to obtain materials with life-like properties and (ii) to probe the role of dynamic self-assembly in the origin of Life.

In this talk, I propose using the chemists’ ability to design and synthesize molecules for the rational construction of dynamic systems and materials. I will illustrate this strategy with the rational design of chemical oscillators, waves, patterns, actuators, and microstructures. In perspective, this work opens a path toward constructing life-like dynamic materials and observing emergent phenomena in prebiotically relevant chemistry.