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De Bari B, Kondepudi DK, Vaidya A, Dixon JA. Bio-analog dissipative structures and principles of biological behavior. Biosystems 2024; 239:105214. [PMID: 38642881 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The place of living organisms in the natural world is a nearly perennial question in philosophy and the sciences; how can inanimate matter yield animate beings? A dominant answer for several centuries has been to treat organisms as sophisticated machines, studying them with the mechanistic physics and chemistry that have given rise to technology and complex machines. Since the early 20th century, many scholars have sought instead to naturalize biology through thermodynamics, recognizing the precarious far-from-equilibrium state of organisms. Erwin Bauer was an early progenitor of this perspective with ambitions of "general laws for the movement of living matter". In addition to taking a thermodynamic perspective, Bauer recognized that organisms are fundamentally behaving systems, and that explaining the physics of life requires explaining the origins of intentionality, adaptability, and self-regulation. Bauer, like some later scholars, seems to advocate for a "new physics", one that extends beyond mechanics and classical thermodynamic, one that would be inclusive of living systems. In this historical review piece, we explore some of Bauer's ideas and explain how similar concepts have been explored in modern non-equilibrium thermodynamics and dissipative structure theory. Non-living dissipative structures display end-directedness, self-maintenance, and adaptability analogous to organisms. These findings also point to an alternative framework for the life sciences, that treats organisms not as machines but as sophisticated dissipative structures. We evaluate the differences between mechanistic and thermodynamic perspectives on life, and what each theory entails for understanding the behavior of organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin De Bari
- Department of Social Sciences, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA, USA; Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - Dilip K Kondepudi
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ashwin Vaidya
- Department of Mathematics, Montclair State University, Monctlair, NJ, USA; Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - James A Dixon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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De Bari B, Kondepudi DK, Dixon JA. Foraging Dynamics and Entropy Production in a Simulated Proto-Cell. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 24:1793. [PMID: 36554198 PMCID: PMC9778031 DOI: 10.3390/e24121793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
All organisms depend on a supply of energetic resources to power behavior and the irreversible entropy-producing processes that sustain them. Dissipative structure theory has often been a source of inspiration for better understanding the thermodynamics of biology, yet real organisms are inordinately more complex than most laboratory systems. Here we report on a simulated chemical dissipative structure that operates as a proto cell. The simulated swimmer moves through a 1D environment collecting resources that drive a nonlinear reaction network interior to the swimmer. The model minimally represents properties of a simple organism including rudimentary foraging and chemotaxis and an analog of a metabolism in the nonlinear reaction network. We evaluated how dynamical stability of the foraging dynamics (i.e., swimming and chemotaxis) relates to the rate of entropy production. Results suggested a relationship between dynamical steady states and entropy production that was tuned by the relative coordination of foraging and metabolic processes. Results include evidence in support of and contradicting one formulation of a maximum entropy production principle. We discuss the status of this principle and its relevance to biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin De Bari
- Department of Psychology, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Dilip K. Kondepudi
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - James A. Dixon
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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On the Thermodynamics of Self-Organization in Dissipative Systems: Reflections on the Unification of Physics and Biology. FLUIDS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/fluids7040141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss some well-known experimental observations on self-organization in dissipative systems. The examples range from pure fluid flow, pattern selection in fluid–solid systems to chemical-reaction-induced flocking and aggregation in fluid systems. In each case, self-organization can be seen to be a function of a persistent internal gradient. One goal of this article is to hint at a common theory to explain such phenomena, which often takes the form of the extremum of some thermodynamic quantity, for instance the rate of entropy production. Such variational theories are not new; they have been in existence for decades and gained popularity through the Nobel Prize-winning work of theorists such as Lars Onsager and Ilya Prigogine. The arguments have evolved since then to include systems of higher complexity and for nonlinear systems, though a comprehensive theory remains elusive. The overall attempt is to bring out examples from physics, chemistry, engineering, and biology that reveal deep connections between variational principles in physics and biological, or living systems. There is sufficient evidence to at least raise suspicion that there exists an organization principle common to both living and non-living systems, which deserves deep attention.
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Behrens SH. Oil-coated bubbles in particle suspensions, capillary foams, and related opportunities in colloidal multiphase systems. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Dissipative Structures, Organisms and Evolution. ENTROPY 2020; 22:e22111305. [PMID: 33287069 PMCID: PMC7712552 DOI: 10.3390/e22111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Self-organization in nonequilibrium systems has been known for over 50 years. Under nonequilibrium conditions, the state of a system can become unstable and a transition to an organized structure can occur. Such structures include oscillating chemical reactions and spatiotemporal patterns in chemical and other systems. Because entropy and free-energy dissipating irreversible processes generate and maintain these structures, these have been called dissipative structures. Our recent research revealed that some of these structures exhibit organism-like behavior, reinforcing the earlier expectation that the study of dissipative structures will provide insights into the nature of organisms and their origin. In this article, we summarize our study of organism-like behavior in electrically and chemically driven systems. The highly complex behavior of these systems shows the time evolution to states of higher entropy production. Using these systems as an example, we present some concepts that give us an understanding of biological organisms and their evolution.
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Chiovaro M, Paxton A. Action Coordination in Non-Human Self-Organizing Collectives: Multidisciplinary Lessons From Living and Nonliving Systems. ECOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10407413.2020.1842136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Chiovaro
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
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De Bari B, Kondepudi DK, Kay BA, Dixon JA. Collective Dissipative Structures, Force Flow Reciprocity, and the Foundations of Perception–Action Mutuality. ECOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/10407413.2020.1820337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin De Bari
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut
| | - Dilip K. Kondepudi
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut
- Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University
| | - Bruce A. Kay
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut
| | - James A. Dixon
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut
- Center for the Ecological Study of Perception and Action, University of Connecticut
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Ariga K, Ishii M, Mori T. 2D Nanoarchitectonics: Soft Interfacial Media as Playgrounds for Microobjects, Molecular Machines, and Living Cells. Chemistry 2020; 26:6461-6472. [PMID: 32159246 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Soft and flexible two-dimensional (2D) systems, such as liquid interfaces, would have much more potentials in dynamic regulation on nano-macro connected functions. In this Minireview article, we focus especially on dynamic motional functions at liquid dynamic interfaces as 2D material systems. Several recent examples are selected to be explained for overviewing features and importance of dynamic soft interfaces in a wide range of action systems. The exemplified research systems are mainly classified into three categories: (i) control of microobjects with motional regulations; (ii) control of molecular machines with functions of target discrimination and optical outputs; (iii) control of living cells including molecular machine functions at cell membranes and cell/biomolecular behaviors at liquid interface. Sciences on soft 2D media with motional freedom and their nanoarchitectonics constructions will have increased importance in future technology in addition to popular rigid solid 2D materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Ariga
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan
| | - Masaki Ishii
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan.,Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Taizo Mori
- WPI Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8561, Japan
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