Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics

CHE-1362477: Irving Epstein, Brandeis University，“非线性化学动力学”Brandeis University的Irving Epstein是由化学结构、动力学和机制项目资助的，该项目旨在加深我们对远离热力学平衡的化学系统的理解。研究人员正在研究的一个问题涉及胚胎形态发育的化学机制，这一过程被称为形态发生。这个研究项目正在进行实验，以更全面地验证50多年前已故的艾伦·图灵提出的一个建议，即生物学中的模式源于一种特殊的化学模式，这种模式也存在于无生命系统中。在其他实验中，研究人员正在构建连接的神经细胞模型组，以模拟和研究大脑中的通信网络。其他实验使用凝胶和一个特殊设计的反应器，试图捕捉和保存在以前的研究中观察到的化学模式，但到目前为止，这些模式只是短暂的和短暂的模式。因为这些研究是专门为模仿生物系统中的某些行为而设计的，比如神经元之间的交流和胚胎形态的发育，这项工作有助于我们理解关键的生命过程。这项工作的更广泛影响是对未来科学家的教育，以及在科学领域纳入其他代表性不足的群体。作为该研究项目的一部分，爱泼斯坦设计的指导和外展计划Science Posse项目因成功招募和维持多样化的STEM学生群体而获得了全国的认可。其他推广工作包括旨在向公众传播科学的“科学咖啡馆”项目，以及一系列YouTube视频。在这个研究项目中，研究人员正在建造一个开放流动反应器，用于研究由10-50纳米大小的Belousov-Zhabotinsky （BZ）反应混合物液滴组成的乳液。他们还试图确定在何种条件下BZ系统以外的化学振荡器可以被引入到纳米乳液中，并将研究这些其他化学系统中的模式形成。该小组正在探索是否可以将乳剂中出现的模式“冻结”以产生可能具有新颖光学，电学或机械性能的凝胶或固体，从而可能对开发新设备有用。另一项研究涉及100纳米BZ液滴的六边形液滴阵列。先前的观察表明，液滴首先经历化学分化，以产生还原或氧化的稳定状态。随后发生物理分化，观察到液滴收缩或膨胀。最后，新的实验正在进行，以合成含有BZ催化剂附着在导电聚合物主链上的凝胶。其他实验包括寻找将布里格斯-劳舍尔振荡器的新催化剂附着在聚合物上的方法。

CHE-1362477: Irving Epstein, Brandeis University, "Nonlinear Chemical Dynamics"Irving Epstein of Brandeis University is funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanisms A program for research to deepen our understanding of chemical systems that operate far from thermodynamic equilibrium. One question the researchers are investigating involves the chemical mechanism of the development of form in an embryo, a process known as morphogenesis. Experiments are underway in this research project to more fully test a suggestion made over fifty years ago by the late Alan Turing that patterns in biology arise from a particular type of chemical pattern that also exists in nonliving systems. In other experiments, the investigators are building connected groups of model nerve cells to mimic and study communication networks in the brain. Other experiments are using gels and a specially-designed reactor to try to capture and preserve chemical patterns that have been observed in previous studies but, to date, only as fleeting and transient patterns. Because these studies are specifically designed to mimic certain behaviors in biological systems, such as communications between neurons and the development of form in embryos, the work helps us understand key life processes. Broader impacts of this work are the education of future scientists and the inclusion of otherwise under-represented groups in science. The Science Posse project, a mentoring and outreach program designed by Epstein as part of this research project, has received national recognition for its success in recruiting and maintaining a diverse group of STEM students. Other outreach efforts include the Science Café project, designed to bring science to the public, and a series of YouTube videos.In this research project, the investigators are building an open flow reactor for the study of emulsions consisting of 10-50 nm sized droplets of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction mixture. They are also seeking to determine the conditions under which chemical oscillators other than the BZ system can be introduced into nano-emulsions and will study pattern formation in these other chemical systems. The group is exploring whether the patterns that arise in emulsions can be "frozen in" to yield gels or solids that might have novel optical, electrical or mechanical properties and, thus, might be useful for developing new devices. Another study involves a hexagonal droplet array of 100 nm BZ drops. Previous observation has revealed that the drops first undergo chemical differentiation to produce either a reduced or an oxidized steady state. Subsequent physical differentiation occurs and the droplets are observed to either shrink or swell. Finally, new experiments are being carried out to synthesize gels containing the BZ catalyst attached to a conducting polymer backbone. Other experiments involve finding ways to attach new catalysts for the Briggs-Rauscher oscillator to polymers.