Self-enhanced microfluidic synthesis and polymerization of RNA and DNA (P05)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 364653263

At the core of the emergence of life is the autonomous emergence of oligomerized informational molecules such as RNA or DNA. In this project, we will combine chemical pathways of nucleoside and nucleotide synthesis as well as their oligomerization with rocky microfluidics that could have been provided by early Earth. The planned experiments provide the foundation towards the first autonomous synthesis and replication cycles. The combination of expertise of both groups will lead to novel detection techniques and advanced finite element simulations, setting the stage for an enhanced quantitative understanding of the origins of DNA and RNA from simple building blocks in geological settings.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 235: Emergence of Life: exploring mechanisms with cross-disciplinary experiments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Dieter Braun, since 7/2022; Professor Dr. Erwin Frey, until 6/2022; Professor Dr. Oliver Trapp