Catalytic Hydrogels with a Prebiotic Nature

Low-molecular-weight-gelators (LMWGs) form a network via non-covalent interactions, these interactions immobilise the surrounding bulk solvent and form a gel. As a result, these gels are highly responsive, dynamic and highly porous solvated materials. It has been suggested that prior to the evolution of the membranes, gels may have provided an appropriate medium for the organisation of simple components, which could constitute early life. The research presented here attempts to develop a protocell by using LMWGs and form hydrogels that are both simplistic in nature and catalytically proficient.