In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the energy sector, researchers have unveiled a novel approach to chemical information communication using dynamic hydrogel-based cytomimetic models. This innovation, published in the journal *Small Science* (translated from German as “Small Science”), could pave the way for advancements in biosensing and controlled delivery systems, offering significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability.
At the heart of this research is the work of Tian Liu, a scientist at the Sustainable Materials and Chemistry Department of Wood Technology and Wood-based Composites at the University of Göttingen in Germany. Liu and his team have developed millimeter-sized spherical cavity hydrogels that encapsulate enzymes glucose oxidase (Gox), catalase (Cat), and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). These cytomimetic models, which mimic the behavior of biological cells, demonstrate a remarkable ability to conduct chemical information over ultra-long distances.
The proximity effect, a phenomenon where the efficiency of chemical reactions is enhanced when reactants are in close proximity, plays a crucial role in this study. Liu explains, “We found that the biocatalytic efficiency of cascade reactions between two separated cavity hydrogels is significantly lower than when the reactions occur within a single cytomimetic model.” Specifically, the efficiency drops by 30.6%, highlighting the importance of proximity in optimizing chemical processes.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By stabilizing dissolved oxygen within closed systems, these cytomimetic models can enhance the efficiency of various energy-related processes. For instance, Closed System I, which utilizes cascade reactions by Gox and Cat, can stabilize 66.7% of dissolved oxygen within 160 minutes at room temperature. In contrast, Closed System II, with cascade reactions by Gox and HRP, retains only 14.5% less dissolved oxygen within 150 minutes due to the lower ability of the cascade reaction to circulate dissolved oxygen.
This research not only underscores the potential of dynamic hydrogel-based cytomimetic models but also opens new avenues for designing innovative solutions in biosensing and controlled delivery. As Liu notes, “This study highlights a promising new route to design millimeter scale dynamic hydrogel-based cytomimetic models for various events, such as biosensing and controlled delivery.”
The findings published in *Small Science* represent a significant step forward in the field of chemical information communication. By leveraging the proximity effect and optimizing cascade reactions, researchers can develop more efficient and sustainable energy systems. As the energy sector continues to evolve, these cytomimetic models may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy technology.