Clays and the Origin of Life: The Experiments

Nanozymes and Their Potential Roles in the Origin of Life

The origin of life has long been a central scientific challenge, with various hypotheses proposed. The chemical evolution, which supposes that inorganic molecules can transform into organic molecules and subsequent primitive cells, laid the foundation for modern theories. Inorganic minerals are believed to play crucial catalytic roles in the process. However, the harsh reaction conditions of inorganic minerals hinder the accumulation of organic molecules, preventing the efficient transition from inorganic molecules to biomacromolecules. Given the inherent physicochemical properties and enzyme-like activities, this study proposes that nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities, act as efficient prebiotic catalysts in the origin of life. This hypothesis is based on the following: First, unlike traditional minerals, nanominerals can catalyze organic synthesis under milder conditions. Second, nanominerals can not only protect biomolecules from radiation damage but also catalyze polymerization reactions to form functional biomacromolecules and further lipid vesicles. More importantly, nanominerals are abundant in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. This perspective will systematically discuss the potential roles of nanozymes in the emergence of life based on the functions of minerals and the characteristics of nanozymes. We hope the research on nanozymes and the origin of life will bridge the gap between inorganic precursors and biomolecules under primitive environments.

In Quest of the Missing C2H6O2 Isomers in the Interstellar Medium: A Theoretical Search

Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2), the only diol detected in the interstellar medium (ISM), is a key component in the synthesis of prebiotic sugars. Its structural isomer, methoxymethanol, has also been found in the ISM. Our results show that neither ethylene glycol (ethane-1,2-diol) nor methoxymethanol is the most stable isomer. Using high-level computational methods, we identified five isomers: two diols, one hydroxy ether, and two peroxides. The geminal diol 1,1-ethanediol (ethane-1,1-diol) is the most stable isomer, although it has not been detected in the ISM, whereas the two peroxides are less stable than the geminal diol by 60 kcal/mol. This study also provides the rotational constants and dipole moment for each conformer of every C2H6O2 isomer.

Effects of Clay Nanosheets on the Photostability of Cationic Porphyrin

The photodecomposition behavior of cationic porphyrin ZnTMAP4+ (zinc tetrakis-(N,N,N-trimethylanilinium-4-yl) porphyrin) in water and complexed with clay nanosheets was investigated by light irradiation to the Soret band of ZnTMAP4+. The decomposition of ZnTMAP4+ was observed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. While the decomposition quantum yield (ϕdec) was 3.4 × 10-4 in water, that was 9.4 × 10-7 on the exfoliated clay nanosheets. It was revealed that the photostability of ZnTMAP4+ was stabilized by the complex formation with clay. When ZnTMAP4+ was intercalated between the stacked clay nanosheets, ϕdec was further decreased to 4.9 × 10-7. The photostability increased by 361 times and 693 times for the exfoliated and stacked state, respectively. These results indicate that the flat clay surface has the potential to control intra- and intermolecular photochemical reactions.

Different Scenarios for the Origin and the Subsequent Succession of a Hypothetical Microbial Community in the Cloud Layer of Venus

The possible existence of a microbial community in the venusian clouds is one of the most intriguing hypotheses in modern astrobiology. Such a community must be characterized by a high survivability potential under severe environmental conditions, the most extreme of which are very low pH levels and water activity. Considering different scenarios for the origin of life and geological history of our planet, a few of these scenarios are discussed in the context of the origin of hypothetical microbial life within the venusian cloud layer. The existence of liquid water on the surface of ancient Venus is one of the key outstanding questions influencing this possibility. We link the inherent attributes of microbial life as we know it that favor the persistence of life in such an environment and review the possible scenarios of life's origin and its evolution under a strong greenhouse effect and loss of water on Venus. We also propose a roadmap and describe a novel methodological approach for astrobiological research in the framework of future missions to Venus with the intent to reveal whether life exists today on the planet.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of amino acids and nucleobases from clay minerals and astrobiological samples

The study of organic molecules in meteorite and return samples allows for the understanding of the chemistry that undergoes in our Solar System. The present work aims at studying ultrasound assisted extraction technique as effective extraction method for these molecules in extraterrestrial samples and analogs. Optimal conditions were selected from the investigation of ultrasonic frequency, irradiation duration and solvent effects on amino acids, nucleobases and dipeptides extraction yields from a model clay-rich mineral matrix. Optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction parameters were frequency of 20 kHz within 20 min irradiation time and methanol/water solvent ratio of 1. We then validated this protocol on Mukundpura and Tarda meteorite fragments and compared it to the reference extraction protocol used in astrobiology and based on 24 h extraction time at 100 °C in water We obtained similar quantitative results without any racemization with both methodologies.

Ameliorative effects of Sida acuta and vitamin C on serum DNA damage, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in roosters fed aflatoxin B1 contaminated diets

The ameliorative effects of Sida acuta leaf meal (SALM) and vitamin C on the serum pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as DNA damage of cocks fed aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contaminated diets were examined. The experiment was a completely randomized design with a total of 250 sexually mature Isa White cocks aged 24 weeks, randomly allotted into five experimental diets; each diet contained 5 replicates with 10 roosters. The diets were A (control/basal diet), B (A + 1 mg/kg AFB1), C (B + 200 mg/kg vitamin C), D (B + 2.5 g/kg SALM) and E (B + 5.0 g/kg SALM). Fresh and clean water was also provided for the whole experimental period of twelve weeks. Inclusion of 1 mg/kg AFB1 without vitamin C or SALM increased TNF-α and IL-1β as well as 8-OHdG and NF-κB in the serum significantly (P < 0.05) among the cocks on diet B. However, the fortification of AFB1 contaminated diets with vitamin C and SALM depressed serum TNF-α, IL-1β, 8-OHdG and NF-κB concentrations of the cocks significantly (P < 0.05). Conversely, serum IL-4 and IL-10 in birds given 1 mg/kg AFB1 without vitamin C or SALM decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison with the roosters on the control. However, improvements (P < 0.05) in IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations with corresponding reduction (P < 0.05) in TNF-α, IL-1β, 8-OHdG and NF-κB concentrations were recorded among cocks fed Diets C, D and E, respectively. Therefore, dietary addition of SALM at the level used in this study was beneficial and has comparable effects with inorganic antioxidant (C vitamin) by significantly reducing the inflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage biomarkers as well as enhancing the anti-inflammatory cytokines thereby promoting the health status of the cocks fed AFB1 contaminated ration.

Metal Chalcogenide-Hydroxide Hybrids as an Emerging Family of Two-Dimensional Heterolayered Materials: An Early Review

Two-dimensional (2D) materials and phenomena attract huge attention in modern science. Herein, we introduce a family of layered materials inspired by the minerals valleriite and tochilinite, which are composed of alternating "incompatible", and often incommensurate, quasi-atomic sheets of transition metal chalcogenide (sulfides and selenides of Fe, Fe-Cu and other metals) and hydroxide of Mg, Al, Fe, Li, etc., stacked via electrostatic interaction rather than van der Waals forces. We survey the data available on the composition and structure of the layered minerals, laboratory syntheses of such materials and the effect of reaction conditions on the phase purity, morphology and composition of the products. The spectroscopic results (Mössbauer, X-ray photoelectron, X-ray absorption, Raman, UV-vis, etc.), physical (electron, magnetic, optical and some others) characteristics, a specificity of thermal behavior of the materials are discussed. The family of superconductors (FeSe)·(Li,Fe)(OH) having a similar layered structure is briefly considered too. Finally, promising research directions and applications of the valleriite-type substances as a new class of prospective multifunctional 2D materials are outlined.

Gamma irradiation of adenine and guanine adsorbed into hectorite and attapulgite

This study focuses on the radiolysis (up to 36 kGy) of guanine and adenine (nitrogenous bases) adsorbed in hectorite and attapulgite to highlight the potential role of clays as protective agents against ionizing radiation in prebiotic processes. In this framework, the study investigated the nitrogenous bases' behavior in two types of systems: a) aqueous suspension of adenine-clay systems and b) guanine-clay systems in the solid state. This research utilized spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for its analytical purposes. Regardless of the reaction medium conditions, the results reveal that nitrogenous bases are stable under ionizing irradiation when adsorbed on both clays.

Spark of Life: Role of Electrotrophy in the Emergence of Life

The emergence of life has been a subject of intensive research for decades. Different approaches and different environmental "cradles" have been studied, from space to the deep sea. Since the recent discovery of a natural electrical current through deep-sea hydrothermal vents, a new energy source is considered for the transition from inorganic to organic. This energy source (electron donor) is used by modern microorganisms via a new trophic type, called electrotrophy. In this review, we draw a parallel between this metabolism and a new theory for the emergence of life based on this electrical electron flow. Each step of the creation of life is revised in the new light of this prebiotic electrochemical context, going from the evaluation of similar electrical current during the Hadean, the CO₂ electroreduction into a prebiotic primordial soup, the production of proto-membranes, the energetic system inspired of the nitrate reduction, the proton gradient, and the transition to a planktonic proto-cell. Finally, this theory is compared to the two other theories in hydrothermal context to assess its relevance and overcome the limitations of each. Many critical factors that were limiting each theory can be overcome given the effect of electrochemical reactions and the environmental changes produced.

Setting the geological scene for the origin of life and continuing open questions about its emergence

The origin of life is one of the most fundamental questions of humanity. It has been and is still being addressed by a wide range of researchers from different fields, with different approaches and ideas as to how it came about. What is still incomplete is constrained information about the environment and the conditions reigning on the Hadean Earth, particularly on the inorganic ingredients available, and the stability and longevity of the various environments suggested as locations for the emergence of life, as well as on the kinetics and rates of the prebiotic steps leading to life. This contribution reviews our current understanding of the geological scene in which life originated on Earth, zooming in specifically on details regarding the environments and timescales available for prebiotic reactions, with the aim of providing experimenters with more specific constraints. Having set the scene, we evoke the still open questions about the origin of life: did life start organically or in mineralogical form? If organically, what was the origin of the organic constituents of life? What came first, metabolism or replication? What was the time-scale for the emergence of life? We conclude that the way forward for prebiotic chemistry is an approach merging geology and chemistry, i.e., far-from-equilibrium, wet-dry cycling (either subaerial exposure or dehydration through chelation to mineral surfaces) of organic reactions occurring repeatedly and iteratively at mineral surfaces under hydrothermal-like conditions.

DNA and the origins of life in micaceous clay

Reproducible imaging of DNA by atomic force microscopy was a useful predecessor to Ned Seeman's DNA nanotechnology. Many of the products of DNA nanotechnology were imaged in the atomic force microscope. The mica substrate used in this atomic force microscopy research formed the inspiration for the hypothesis that micaceous clay was a likely habitat for the origins of life. Montmorillonite clay has been a successful substrate for the polymerization of amino acids and nucleotides into peptides and DNA oligomers in research on life's origins. Mica and montmorillonite have the same anionic lattice, with a hexagonal spacing of 0.5 nm. Micas are nonswelling clays, with potassium ions (K+) holding the crystal sheets together, providing a stable environment for the processes and molecular complexes needed for the emergence of living cells. Montmorillonite crystal sheets are held together by smaller sodium ions (Na+), which results in swelling and shrinking during wet-dry cycles, providing a less stable environment. Also, the cells in all types of living systems have high intracellular K+ concentrations, which makes mica a more likely habitat for the origins of life than montmorillonite. Finally, moving mica sheets provides mechanical energy at the split edges of the sheets in mica "books." This mechanical energy of mica sheets, moving open and shut, in response to fluid flow, may have preceded chemical energy at life's origins, powering early prebiotic processes, such as the formation of covalent bonds, the interactions of molecular complexes, and the budding off of protocells before the molecular mechanism of cell division had developed.

The Coevolution of Biomolecules and Prebiotic Information Systems in the Origin of Life: A Visualization Model for Assembling the First Gene

Prebiotic information systems exist in three forms: analog, hybrid, and digital. The Analog Information System (AIS), manifested early in abiogenesis, was expressed in the chiral selection, nucleotide formation, self-assembly, polymerization, encapsulation of polymers, and division of protocells. It created noncoding RNAs by polymerizing nucleotides that gave rise to the Hybrid Information System (HIS). The HIS employed different species of noncoding RNAs, such as ribozymes, pre-tRNA and tRNA, ribosomes, and functional enzymes, including bridge peptides, pre-aaRS, and aaRS (aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase). Some of these hybrid components build the translation machinery step-by-step. The HIS ushered in the Digital Information System (DIS), where tRNA molecules become molecular architects for designing mRNAs step-by-step, employing their two distinct genetic codes. First, they created codons of mRNA by the base pair interaction (anticodon–codon mapping). Secondly, each charged tRNA transferred its amino acid information to the corresponding codon (codon–amino acid mapping), facilitated by an aaRS enzyme. With the advent of encoded mRNA molecules, the first genes emerged before DNA. With the genetic memory residing in the digital sequences of mRNA, a mapping mechanism was developed between each codon and its cognate amino acid. As more and more codons ‘remembered’ their respective amino acids, this mapping system developed the genetic code in their memory bank. We compared three kinds of biological information systems with similar types of human-made computer systems.