Self‐organization in an Open Reaction Network for Developing High‐function Organized Molecular Systems

Self‐organized molecular systems such as liposomes and supramolecules have attracted considerable attention due to their characteristic properties. An open reaction network (ORN) is another interesting candidate for such systems; however, no stabilization mechanism has been clarified. This work reveals, by computer simulation and experiments, that a network of irreversible processes such as an ORN can be stabilized by self‐organization through a full balance between all the involved irreversible processes, thus forming a steady state. The formation of a steady state indicates that a large spontaneous order is formed; specifically, self‐organization occurs. Computer simulations also reveal that such a steady state characteristically evolves toward a high‐efficiency state through the development of highly ordered structures. These findings indicate that ORN provides a new method for developing high‐function organized molecular systems, such as an efficient catalytic system in a composite of ORN and equilibrium molecular structures such as supramolecules and polymers. The steady state of an open reaction network (ORN) characteristically evolves toward a structurally highly ordered and high‐efficiency state. Using this property, it is possible to produce high‐function organized molecular systems such as an efficient reaction center in a composite of an ORN and supramolecules, polymers, etc.