| Autor: |
Weingart M; Systems Biophysics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Amalienstraße 54, 80799 München, Germany., Chen S; Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany., Donat C; TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience; Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany., Helmbrecht V; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Richard-Wagner Straße 10, 80333 München, Germany., Orsi WD; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Richard-Wagner Straße 10, 80333 München, Germany.; GeoBio-CenterLMU, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Richard-Wagner Straße 10, 80333 München, Germany., Braun D; Systems Biophysics and Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Amalienstraße 54, 80799 München, Germany., Alim K; Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Faßberg 17, 37077 Göttingen, Germany.; TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience; Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technical University of Munich, Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8, 85748 Garching b. München, Germany. |
| Abstrakt: |
Alkaline vents (AVs) are hypothesized to have been a setting for the emergence of life, by creating strong gradients across inorganic membranes within chimney structures. In the past, three-dimensional chimney structures were formed under laboratory conditions; however, no in situ visualization or testing of the gradients was possible. We develop a quasi-two-dimensional microfluidic model of AVs that allows spatiotemporal visualization of mineral precipitation in low-volume experiments. Upon injection of an alkaline fluid into an acidic, iron-rich solution, we observe a diverse set of precipitation morphologies, mainly controlled by flow rate and ion concentration. Using microscope imaging and pH-dependent dyes, we show that finger-like precipitates can facilitate formation and maintenance of microscale pH gradients and accumulation of dispersed particles in confined geometries. Our findings establish a model to investigate the potential of gradients across a semipermeable boundary for early compartmentalization, accumulation, and chemical reactions at the origins of life. |
