Coacervates as prebiotic chemical reactors

Vera M. Kolb; Mercedes Swanson; Fredric M. Menger

doi:10.1117/12.928550

24 October 2012 Coacervates as prebiotic chemical reactors

Vera M. Kolb, Mercedes Swanson, Fredric M. Menger

Proceedings Volume 8521, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XV; 85210E (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.928550
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Coacervates are colloidal systems that are comprised of two immiscible aqueous layers, the colloid-rich layer, so-called coacervate, and the colloid-poor layer, so-called equilibrium liquid. Although immiscible, the two phases are both water-rich. Coacervates are important for prebiotic chemistry, but also have various practical applications, notably as transport vehicles of personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Our objectives are to explore the potential of coacervates as prebiotic chemical reactors. Since the reaction medium in coacervates is water, this creates a challenge, since most organic reactants are not water-soluble. To overcome this challenge we are utilizing recent Green Chemistry examples of the organic reactions in water, such as the Passerini reaction. We have investigated this reaction in two coacervate systems, and report here our preliminary results.

Citation Download Citation

Vera M. Kolb, Mercedes Swanson, and Fredric M. Menger "Coacervates as prebiotic chemical reactors", Proc. SPIE 8521, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XV, 85210E (24 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.928550

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available